equator
noun
equa·tor
i-ˈkwā-tər 
ˈē-ˌkwā-
1
: the great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is perpendicular to the axis of the earth
2
: a great circle of the earth or a celestial body that is everywhere equally distant from the two poles and divides the surface into the northern and southern hemispheres
3
a
: a circle or circular band dividing the surface of a body into two usually equal and symmetrical parts
b
: equatorial plane
the equator of a dividing cell
4
Examples of equator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The unique views of the sun were captured on March 16-17, when the Solar Orbiter was orbiting the sun from 15 degrees below the solar equator, enabling this first look.
—
Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Read More: Solar Orbiter Sets Off for Mission to Study the Sun
The Sun's South Pole Perspective
Up until now, our observations of the Sun have occurred around the solar equator.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2025
This was the Solar Orbiter mission’s first high-angle observation campaign of the sun, conducted at an angle of 15 degrees below the solar equator.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 June 2025
Polar regions are also warming two to three times as fast as the global average, reducing the temperature gradient between the poles and equator.
—Shuang-Ye Wu, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for equator
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Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Read More: Solar Orbiter Sets Off for Mission to Study the Sun
The Sun's South Pole Perspective
Up until now, our observations of the Sun have occurred around the solar equator.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2025
This was the Solar Orbiter mission’s first high-angle observation campaign of the sun, conducted at an angle of 15 degrees below the solar equator.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 June 2025
Polar regions are also warming two to three times as fast as the global average, reducing the temperature gradient between the poles and equator.
—Shuang-Ye Wu, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for equator
Cite this Entry
“Equator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equator. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
equator
noun
equa·tor
i-ˈkwāt-ər
ˈē-ˌkwāt-
: an imaginary circle around the earth everywhere equally distant from the north pole and the south pole
Medical Definition
equator
noun
equa·tor
i-ˈkwāt-ər
ˈē-ˌ
ˈē-ˌ
1
: a circle or circular band dividing the surface of a body into two usually equal and symmetrical parts especially at the place of greatest width
the equator of the lens of the eye
2
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