Main Entry:

ho·ri·zon

Pronunciation:

\hə-ˈrī-z^ən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English orizon, from Late Latin horizont-, horizon, from Greek horizont-, horizōn, from present participle of horizein to bound, define, from horos boundary; perhaps akin to Latin urvum curved part of a plow

Date:

14th century

1 a: the apparent junction of earth and sky b: the great circle on the celestial sphere formed by the intersection of the celestial sphere with a plane tangent to the earth's surface at an observer's position — see azimuth illustration c: range of perception or experience d: something that might be attained <new horizons>2 a: the geological deposit of a particular time usually identified by distinctive fossils b: any of the reasonably distinct layers of soil or its underlying material in a vertical section of land c: a cultural area or level of development indicated by separated groups of artifacts

— ho·ri·zon·al \-ˈrī-z^ən-əl\ adjective