Entity: MERIDIAN
A meridian is a great circle on the Earth's surface that runs north and south through the poles, used for measuring longitude. It is an imaginary line connecting the North Pole and the South Pole.
MERIDIAN
Etymology
The term 'meridian' originates from Latin 'meridianus', meaning 'of midday' or 'southern'.
Definition
A meridian is an imaginary line connecting the North Pole and the South Pole, used for measuring longitude on Earth.
Historical Context
Meridians have been crucial in navigation and cartography, aiding in the accurate mapping of the Earth's surface and determining precise locations.
Cultural Significance
Meridians play a significant role in astronomy, timekeeping, and the global positioning system (GPS), impacting various aspects of modern life.
Related Concepts
Meridians are closely related to parallels of latitude, which together form a grid system for locating points on Earth's surface.
See Also
- Longitude
- Latitude
- Equator
An imaginary line connecting the North Pole and the South Pole, used for measuring longitude on Earth.