Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • A specific parallel of latitude: The Tropic of Cancer is the northernmost circle of latitude on Earth at which the Sun can be directly overhead. This occurs at the June solstice. It is located at approximately 23°26′10.0″ (or about 23.4 degrees) north of the Equator.

Usage

• The term "Tropic of Cancer" is used as a singular, proper noun to refer to this specific geographical line. It is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth.
• It is often discussed in contexts of geography, astronomy, climate, and seasons.

Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • The Tropic of Cancer passes through Mexico, the Bahamas, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
  • Regions located between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer generally have a tropical climate.
  • When the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, it marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

Advanced Usage

• "North of the Tropic of Cancer": This phrase describes the geographical area known as the Northern Temperate Zone.
  • Countries like Canada and Germany are located entirely north of the Tropic of Cancer.
• As a climatic and cultural marker: The line is sometimes used symbolically to separate tropical regions from subtropical and temperate ones.
  • The novel's setting just south of the Tropic of Cancer emphasizes its humid, tropical atmosphere.

Variants and Related Words

• Tropic (n): Either of the two parallels of latitude (the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn) that mark the boundaries of the Torrid Zone. Often used in the plural ("the tropics") to refer to the region of Earth surrounding the Equator.
• Tropic of Capricorn (n): The corresponding circle of latitude at approximately 23.4 degrees south of the Equator, where the Sun is directly overhead at the December solstice.
• Latitude (n): The angular distance of a place north or south of the Earth's equator.
• Solstice (n): The time or date (twice each year) when the Sun reaches its maximum or minimum declination, marked by the longest and shortest days.

Synonyms

• Northern Tropic: A less common but descriptive synonym for the Tropic of Cancer.

Notes

• The name "Cancer" comes from the constellation of the Crab (Latin: ) in which the Sun appeared at the time of the June solstice over 2000 years ago. Due to the precession of the equinoxes, the Sun now appears in the constellation Taurus at this solstice, but the traditional name remains.

Noun

1. a line of latitude about 23 degrees to the north of the equator