Tropic
['trɒpɪk] or ['trɑpɪk]
Definition
(noun.) either of two parallels of latitude about 23.5 degrees to the north and south of the equator representing the points farthest north and south at which the sun can shine directly overhead and constituting the boundaries of the Torrid Zone or tropics.
Checker: Merle--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Of, pertaining to, or designating, an acid obtained from atropine and certain other alkaloids, as a white crystalline substance slightly soluble in water.
(n.) One of the two small circles of the celestial sphere, situated on each side of the equator, at a distance of 23¡ 28/, and parallel to it, which the sun just reaches at its greatest declination north or south, and from which it turns again toward the equator, the northern circle being called the Tropic of Cancer, and the southern the Tropic of Capricorn, from the names of the two signs at which they touch the ecliptic.
(n.) One of the two parallels of terrestrial latitude corresponding to the celestial tropics, and called by the same names.
(n.) The region lying between these parallels of latitude, or near them on either side.
(a.) Of or pertaining to the tropics; tropical.
Checker: Rudolph
Definition
n. one of the two circles on the celestial sphere 23?28′ on each side of the equator where the sun turns as it were after reaching its greatest declination north or south: one of two circles on the terrestrial globe corresponding to these: (pl.) the regions lying between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.—adjs. Trop′ic -al pertaining to the tropics: being within or near the tropics.—adv. Trop′ically.—n. Trop′ic-bird a genus of bird the family Phaé›hontid usually seen in tropical regions.
Inputed by Cathleen
Examples
- From tropic to the bleakest north, the cocks crow before the advancing margin of dawn. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Jealousy hot as the sun above the line, rage destructive as the tropic storm, the clime of your sensations ignores--as yet. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- One cannot resist speculation as to what might have happened to Edison himself and to the development of electricity had he made this proposed plunge into the enervating tropics. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- Hence, the quickest way was to search the tropics until the proper material was found. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- I have also had a piece stewed, which you will be able to taste; this has of course passed the tropics. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- Later he learned to spin and weave; next to food and drink, clothing became a fundamental necessity, for without it his life could not extend outside of the limited zone of the tropics. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- Child of the sun, and nursling of the tropics, it would expire in these climes. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- The air rarefied between the tropics, and rising, must flow in the higher region north and south. Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
- The addition of over seven hundred to this list crowded the steamer most uncomfortably, especially for the tropics in July. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- This was in marked contrast to the fauna and flora of th e South American tropics. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- The air under the equator and between the tropics being constantly heated and rarefied by the sun, rises. Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
- Thunderstorms are at their worst in the summer in temperate latitudes, but they occur to some extent all the year round, and those in the tropics are of extreme violence. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- It is easy to send cream in good condition to the tropics. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
Typed by Beryl