equinoctial
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˌiːkwɪˈnɒkʃəl//
KK: /ɪˈkwɪnɒkʃəl/
adjective
Definition
Connected to the time of year when day and night are of equal length, or to the regions near the equator.
Example
The equinoctial storms often bring heavy rain and strong winds.
Conversation
Did you notice how the weather changes during the equinoctial season?
Yeah, it gets so unpredictable; one minute it's sunny, and the next it's pouring rain.
I think it's fascinating how equinoctial changes affect the plants, too.
Absolutely! They seem to thrive in these conditions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
equinoxial
celestial
tropical
Antonyms
polar
arctic
boreal
noun
Definition
A strong storm with wind and rain that happens around the time of the equinox.
Example
The sailors were warned about the equinoctial that could hit the coast.
Conversation
Did you hear about the equinoctial storm that hit last night?
Yeah, it was really intense!
I wasn't expecting such a wild weather change.
Root Explanation
Equinoctial → It is formed from "aequus" (meaning equal) and "nox" (meaning night). The term refers to the time of year when day and night are of equal length, specifically during the equinoxes.
Memory Tip
Think of 'equal' ('aequus') and 'night' ('nox') to remember that 'equinoctial' relates to the time when day and night are equal.
Visually Confused Words
interequinoctial
quinoidal