Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fixed point in time used as a standard for comparison or calculation: In astronomy and other scientific fields, a "date of reference" is an arbitrarily chosen, specific date from which other times, events, or data (such as the coordinates of celestial bodies) are measured or recorded.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In astronomy, the Julian Day is a common date of reference for calculating planetary positions.
  • The researchers established January 1, 2000, as the date of reference for their longitudinal climate study.
  • All measurements in the catalog are given relative to a specific date of reference.

Advanced Usage

• "To use/set/establish a date of reference": To choose and apply a specific point in time as a baseline.
  • The software allows you to set any date of reference for the simulation.
• "Relative to a date of reference": Measured or described in comparison to that fixed point.
  • The star's movement is charted relative to the chosen date of reference.

Variants and Related Words

• Epoch (n): A particular period of time marked by distinctive features, or a precise instant in time used as a reference point, especially in astronomy and geology.
  • The data is calibrated to the J2000.0 epoch.
• Reference date (n): A synonymous phrase meaning the same as "date of reference."
  • Please check the reference date for these financial projections.

Synonyms

• Epoch
• Time zero
• Baseline date
• Reference epoch
• Fixed point

Related Phrases

• Reference time: A specific instant used as a basis for time measurements.
• Zero point: The starting point or origin in a measurement system.

Notes

• The term is primarily technical and is most frequently used in scientific, financial, and data analysis contexts to ensure consistency in measurements and records over time.

Noun

1. (astronomy) an arbitrarily fixed date that is the point in time relative to which information (as coordinates of a celestial body) is recorded