Tropic of Cancer

noun phrase

: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 23¹/₂ degrees north of the equator and that is the northernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun

Word History

Etymology

from the sign of the zodiac which its celestial projection intersects

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Tropic of Cancer was in 1623

Dictionary Entries Near Tropic of Cancer

tropic bird

Tropic of Cancer

Tropic of Capricorn

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Cite this Entry

“Tropic of Cancer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Tropic%20of%20Cancer. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

Tropic of Cancer

: the parallel of latitude that is 23½ degrees north of the equator and is the northernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun

More from Merriam-Webster on Tropic of Cancer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Tropic of Cancer

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