autumnal equinox

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Explanation of "Autumnal Equinox"

Definition: The "autumnal equinox" is a specific point in time that happens around September 22 each year. It is when day and night are approximately equal in length. This event marks the beginning of autumn (fall) in the Northern Hemisphere.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "autumnal equinox" when talking about the change of seasons, especially in an astronomy or nature context.
• It is often referenced in discussions about weather, farming, and cultural celebrations.

Example Sentence:

• "The autumnal equinox is a time when many cultures celebrate the harvest and the changing of the seasons."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you might refer to the scientific significance of the autumnal equinox in relation to the Earth's tilt and orbit around the sun.

Word Variants:

• Autumn (noun): The season between summer and winter.
• Equinox (noun): A general term for the two times each year when day and night are of equal length (the other is the "vernal equinox" in spring).

Different Meanings:

• Equinox: Can refer to both the autumnal equinox and the vernal equinox. The term itself means "equal night," coming from Latin roots.

Synonyms:

• Fall equinox
• September equinox

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include "autumnal equinox," you might hear phrases like "turning over a new leaf" which can symbolize change, similar to the seasonal changes that occur during the equinox.

Summary:

The "autumnal equinox" is an important astronomical event that signifies the start of autumn and is marked by equal lengths of day and night.

Academic

Noun

1. (astronomy) the equinoctial point that lies in the constellation of Virgo
2. September 22

Synonyms

• September equinox
• fall equinox