Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • A specific date and astronomical event: The "spring equinox" is the moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, moving northward. It marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This event occurs around March 20 or 21 each year.
   • The date of this event: "Spring equinox" also refers to the specific calendar date on which this astronomical event happens, typically March 21.

Usage

• The term "spring equinox" is used to discuss astronomy, seasons, and calendar events. It is often capitalized as "Spring Equinox" when referring to the specific event or date.

Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • The spring equinox is a day of nearly equal daylight and darkness.
  • Many cultures celebrate festivals around the time of the Spring Equinox.
  • This year, the spring equinox falls on March 20th.

Advanced Usage

• "Vernal equinox": This is a direct synonym for "spring equinox," with "vernal" meaning "relating to spring." It is commonly used in formal and scientific contexts.
  • The vernal equinox signals the start of the planting season.

Variants and Related Words

• Equinox (n): The general term for either of the two times in the year when day and night are of approximately equal length. The "spring equinox" is one of the two equinoxes.
• Autumnal equinox (n): The equinox that occurs around September 22 or 23, marking the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

Synonyms

• March equinox: A synonym that specifies the month in which it occurs in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Vernal equinox: A formal synonym.

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Autumnal equinox: The equinox that occurs in September, marking the beginning of autumn.
• Winter solstice: The shortest day of the year, around December 21.
• Summer solstice: The longest day of the year, around June 21.

Noun

1. March 21