Solstice

Noun

Definition: The time or date (twice each year) at which the sun reaches its maximum or minimum declination, marked by the longest and shortest days (about 21 June and 22 December).

Synonyms: None

Antonyms: None

Examples:

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year.
The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night.

Mnemonics:

Think of "sol" representing the sun and "stice" as a variation of "stillness," indicating the moment when the sun appears to stand still in the sky.

Etymology:

Origin:

From Latin "solstitium," from "sol" (sun) + "stit-" (from "sistere," to stand still).

Historical Usage:

The word dates back to at least the 13th century, and it has been used to describe the astronomical event of the sun's extreme declination since ancient times.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Summer solstice"

Explanation:

Refers to the specific solstice that occurs around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, also known as the June solstice or midsummer.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing the solstice with the equinox.

Explanation:

While both the solstice and equinox are astronomical events related to the sun, the solstice specifically marks the longest and shortest days of the year, while the equinox marks the moments when day and night are of equal length.