Equator Meaning and Definition
Equator
Pronunciation
/ˈiːkʊtər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The imaginary circle around the middle of the Earth, dividing it into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Examples
- The cruise ship sailed around the equator.
- The equator is a line that separates the two hemispheres.
Synonyms
- Imaginary line
- Midpoint
Antonyms
- Pole
- Edge
Additional Information
The equator is the zero degree line of latitude, which divides the planet into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It spans nearly 40,000 kilometers (24,854 miles) around the Earth, passing through several countries including Ecuador, Colombia, and Indonesia.
The equator plays a significant role in astronomy and timekeeping, as it serves as a reference point for astronomical observations and time zones.
Etymology
The word “equator” comes from the Latin “aequator”, meaning “equalizer”, as it divides the Earth into two equal hemispheres.
Usage Notes
The term “Equator” is typically used in geographical and scientific contexts, but it can also be used figuratively to refer to a dividing line or a midpoint in a larger context.
Cultural References
The Equator was featured in several travel and documentary films, such as “Around the World in 80 Days” and “The Equator Program”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
The phrase “at the equator” is often used to describe a point of reference or a dividing line, such as “at the equator of the world” or “at the equator of the problem”.
Related Words or Phrases
- Hemisphere
- Latitude
- Longitude
Collocations
- Equator crossing
- Equator line
- Equator region
Frequency of Use
The term “Equator” is relatively less common in everyday language, but it is widely used in scientific and geographical contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Equitore
- Ekator