day degree

noun

: one degree above or below a temperature adopted as a standard (as 42° F for the temperature at which vegetation commences) for a period of 24 hours or its equivalent (as 2° for 12 hours or 4° for 6 hours)

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of day degree was in 1884

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near day degree

Cite this Entry

“Day degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/day%20degree. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!