solstice(n = noun.time) - either of the two times of the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator;
is a kind of cosmic time
has particulars: june 21, midsummer, summer solstice, winter solstice
1. A stopping or standing still of the sun. Sir T. Browne. [1913 Webster]
2. The point in the ecliptic at which the sun is farthest from the equator, north or south, namely, the first point of the sign Cancer and the first point of the sign Capricorn, the former being the summer solstice, latter the winter solstice, in northern latitudes; -- so called because the sun then apparently stands still in its northward or southward motion. [1913 Webster]
solstice, n.
1 either of the times when the sun is furthest from the equator.
2 the point in its ecliptic reached by the sun at a solstice.
Idiom:
summer solstice the time at which the sun is furthest north from the equator, about 21 June in the northern hemisphere. winter solstice the time at which the sun is furthest south from the equator, about 22 Dec. in the northern hemisphere.
Derivative:
solstitial adj.
Etymology:
ME f. OF f. L solstitium f. sol sun + sistere stit- make stand