equinoctial

adjective equi·noc·tial \ ˌē-kwə-ˈnäk-shəl , ˌe- \

Updated on: 1 Apr 2018

Definition of equinoctial

1 : relating to an equinox or to a state or the time of equal day and night

2 : relating to the regions or climate on or near the equator

3 : relating to the time when the sun passes an equinoctial point

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Recent Examples of equinoctial from the Web

The inner bark of that red willow is the main ingredient used to make tobacco for the equinoctial Sacred Pipe ceremony, which is meant to rekindle the sacred fire of life on Earth.

— National Geographic, "Vernal Equinox 2018: Facts About the First Day of Spring," 20 Mar. 2018
Post-equinoctial 90s qualify as unusual in Philly

— anthony r. wood, Philly.com, "Autumn's rare harvest of heat," 26 Sep. 2017
The inner bark of that red willow is the main ingredient used to make tobacco for the equinoctial Sacred Pipe ceremony, which is meant to rekindle the sacred fire of life on Earth.

— National Geographic, "First Day of Spring Marked With Sun Daggers, Light Snakes," 17 Mar. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'equinoctial.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.