equatorial

adjective

equa·​to·​ri·​al ˌē-kwə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

ˌe-kwə-

1

a

: of, relating to, or located at the equator or an equator

also : being in the plane of the equator

a satellite in equatorial orbit

b

: of, originating in, or suggesting the region around the geographic equator

2

a

: being or having a support that includes two axles at right angles to each other with one parallel to the earth's axis of rotation

an equatorial telescope mount

b

: extending in a direction essentially in the plane of a cyclic structure (as of cyclohexane)

equatorial hydrogens

compare axial

Synonyms of equatorial

• tropical
• subtropical

Examples of equatorial in a Sentence

a lush equatorial rain forest that is threatened by rampant development

Recent Examples on the Web

Most of them gravitated to Minnesota — a very different climate from their equatorial homeland, but a state with a great tradition of tolerance for newcomers. —Robert W. Laird, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026

In other words, Jupiter is flatter at its poles than at its equator, the result of its fast rotation (just under 10 hours) creating an equatorial bulge. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026

La Niña ending La Niña is only expected to continue for about another month or so, but after that, waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean are likely to begin warming. —Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026

One major natural factor in global temperatures is the El Nino/La Nina oscillation — a cyclic warming or cooling of the equatorial Pacific that changes weather across much of the planet. —Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing equatorial

• equatorial plane
• equatorial plate

Rhymes for equatorial

• categorial
• curatorial
• dictatorial
• directorial
• editorial
• immemorial
• infusorial
• janitorial
• professorial
• reportorial
• senatorial
• territorial

Kids Definition

equatorial

adjective

equa·​to·​ri·​al ˌē-kwə-ˈtōr-ē-əl 

ˌek-wə-, 

-ˈtȯr-

1

: of, relating to, or located at the equator

2

: of, originating in, or suggesting the region around the equator

equatorial heat

Medical Definition

equatorial

adjective

equa·​to·​ri·​al ˌē-kwə-ˈtōr-ē-əl  ˌek-wə- 

-ˈtȯr-

1

: of, located at, or relating to an equator

equatorial diameter

2

: extending in a direction essentially in the plane of a cyclic structure (as of cyclohexane)

equatorial hydrogen atoms

compare axial sense 2b