equinox
The equinox is one of the two times each year when the day and night are about the same length. This happens in March and September when the sun is directly above the Earth's equator.
Examples
3 of 5The spring equinox usually happens around March 20th.
The spring equinox usually happens around March 20th.
Astronomers use the equinox to mark the transition between seasons.
Astronomers use the equinox to mark the transition between seasons.
Is the equinox today? I noticed it stayed light later than usual.
Is the equinox today? I noticed it stayed light later than usual.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Look at the start of the word: 'Equi-' sounds like 'Equal'. 'Nox' sounds like 'Night'. Equinox = Equal Night.
Quick Quiz
During the _______, the length of the day and night is almost exactly the same.
Correct!
The correct answer is: equinox
Examples
The spring equinox usually happens around March 20th.
everydayThe spring equinox usually happens around March 20th.
Astronomers use the equinox to mark the transition between seasons.
formalAstronomers use the equinox to mark the transition between seasons.
Is the equinox today? I noticed it stayed light later than usual.
informalIs the equinox today? I noticed it stayed light later than usual.
The term equinox is derived from the celestial positioning of the sun relative to the equator.
academicThe term equinox is derived from the celestial positioning of the sun relative to the equator.
Our upcoming marketing campaign will launch during the autumnal equinox.
businessOur upcoming marketing campaign will launch during the autumnal equinox.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the spring equinox
the spring equinox
the autumn equinox
the autumn equinox
point of the equinox
point of the equinox
Often Confused With
An equinox is when day and night are equal; a solstice is when the day is longest or shortest.
Usage Notes
The word is almost always used with the adjectives 'spring/vernal' or 'autumn/autumnal'. In common speech, people use 'spring equinox' more often than 'vernal equinox'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the equinox with the solstice, thinking they both mean 'a change in season' without distinguishing the length of the day.
Memory Tip
Look at the start of the word: 'Equi-' sounds like 'Equal'. 'Nox' sounds like 'Night'. Equinox = Equal Night.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin words 'aequus' (equal) and 'nox' (night).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Many cultures around the world, such as in Iran (Nowruz) or Japan, celebrate the spring equinox as a time of rebirth or to honor ancestors.
Quick Quiz
During the _______, the length of the day and night is almost exactly the same.
Correct!
The correct answer is: equinox
Related Vocabulary
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