vernal equinox

IPA/ˌvɜː.nəl ˈek.wɪ.nɒks/
IPA/ˌvɝː.nəl ˈiː.kwə.nɑːks/

vernal equinox — noun

1. the moment in spring when the sun passes over the equator from south to north, m

1.名詞C1
釋義

the moment in spring when the sun passes over the equator from south to north, making day and night almost exactly twelve hours long across the whole Earth — this event marks the official start of spring in the northern half of the world.

例句

In Japan, the vernal equinox is a national holiday for honoring one's ancestors.

cultural usage: national holiday in Japan

Elise marked the vernal equinox on her calendar because she wanted to plant her garden that weekend.

同義詞
  • spring equinox

    less formal; the everyday term used in weather reports and general conversation

  • March equinox

    Northern-Hemisphere-specific; avoids the formal/literary tone of 'vernal'

反義詞

文法句型

the vernal equinox

常見錯誤

❌The vernal equinox happens on March 20th every year.' (the date varies)
✅The vernal equinox usually occurs around March 20th.
💡the date shifts slightly from year to year.
❌I love the vernal equinox weather.
✅I love the spring weather around the vernal equinox.
💡'vernal equinox' names a specific moment, not a season.