equator

equa·tor

noun \i-ˈkwā-tər, ˈē-ˌ\

Definition of EQUATOR

1

: the great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is perpendicular to the axis of the earth

2

: a great circle of the earth or a celestial body that is everywhere equally distant from the two poles and divides the surface into the northern and southern hemispheres

3

a : a circle or circular band dividing the surface of a body into two usually equal and symmetrical parts b : equatorial plane <the equator of a dividing cell>

4

: great circle

Origin of EQUATOR

Middle English, from Medieval Latin aequator, literally, equalizer, from Latin aequare

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Cartography Terms

Robinson projection, benchmark, plat, projection, topography

Rhymes with EQUATOR

aerator, castrator, collator, Chubb Crater, Bay Stater, creator, curator, debater, deflator, dictator, dilator, donator, downstater, dumbwaiter, first-rater, glossator, headwaiter, ice-skater, levator, locator, mandator, migrator, narrator, pond skater, pronator, pulsator, red-baiter, relater, spectator, speed skater, tailgater, testator, theater, third-rater, titrator, translator, upstater, vibrator