Definition

1. Noun:

   • Either of two specific circles of latitude: The "tropic" refers to one of two parallels of latitude, approximately 23.5 degrees north (Tropic of Cancer) and south (Tropic of Capricorn) of the equator. These lines mark the northernmost and southernmost points where the sun can appear directly overhead at noon.
   • The region between these lines (often plural: "the tropics"): While the singular "tropic" refers to the lines themselves, the plural form "the tropics" commonly denotes the hot, equatorial region of the Earth bounded by these two lines.

2. Adjective:

   • Relating to the tropics: Describes something situated in, characteristic of, or coming from the hot, humid region near the equator.
   • Hot and humid: Used to describe weather or climate that is very warm and moist, typical of equatorial regions.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Tropic of Capricorn is one of the five major circles of latitude marked on maps.
  • Many unique species are found in the tropics.
• Adjective:
  • We enjoyed the lush, tropic vegetation during our vacation.
  • The forecast predicts more tropic heat and humidity for the weekend.

Advanced Usage

• "Tropic of Cancer": The northern tropic at approximately 23.5° N latitude.
• "Tropic of Capricorn": The southern tropic at approximately 23.5° S latitude.
• "The torrid zone": A synonym for the region between the tropics, known for its heat.

Variants and Related Words

• Tropical (adjective): The more common adjectival form, meaning of, typical of, or existing in the tropics.
  • tropical fruit, a tropical climate.
• Tropics (plural noun): Refers to the region of the Earth surrounding the equator.
  • She moved to the tropics to study rainforest ecology.

Synonyms

• Equatorial (adjective): Of or relating to the equator.
• Torrid (adjective): Very hot and dry; often used to describe the zone between the tropics.

Related Phrases

• Within the tropics: Located inside the geographical area bounded by the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
  • Singapore is located within the tropics.

Adjective

1. of weather or climate; hot and humid as in the tropics
   • tropical weather
2. relating to or situated in or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator)
   • tropical islands
   • tropical fruit

Noun

1. either of two parallels of latitude about 23.5 degrees to the north and south of the equator representing the points farthest north and south at which the sun can shine directly overhead and constituting the boundaries of the Torrid Zone or tropics