equinox
Equinox (noun) means Either of the two times a year (around March 20 and September 22) when day and night are of roughly equal length everywhere on Earth. Example: “The spring equinox marks the start of longer, warmer days in the north.”
How to use equinox
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe day, twice a year, when day and night last about the same amount of time.
Don't confuse with a solstice — the equinox is when day and night are equal; the solstice is when one of them is at its longest or shortest.
Word forms
equinoxes plural, equinoctes plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The spring _____ marks the start of longer, warmer days in the north.
Etymology
From Latin aequinoctium, from aequus ("equal") + nox ("night").
Synonyms
View more →Frequently asked questions
What does “equinox” mean?
The word “equinox” means either of the two times a year (around March 20 and September 22) when day and night are of roughly equal length everywhere on Earth. In plain terms, the day, twice a year, when day and night last about the same amount of time.
How do you pronounce “equinox”?
“Equinox” is pronounced EHK-wih-noks (/ˈɛkwəˌnɑks/ in IPA).
How do you use “equinox” in a sentence?
Here is “equinox” used in a sentence: “The spring equinox marks the start of longer, warmer days in the north.”
What part of speech is “equinox”?
“Equinox” is a noun.
Where does the word “equinox” come from?
The word “equinox” comes from Latin. From Latin aequinoctium, from aequus ("equal") + nox ("night").
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