rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryequatorLine halfway between the poles
noun

equator

ih-KWAY-ter/ɪˈkweɪtər/

An imaginary line around a planet or sphere halfway between its poles.

The equator divides Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

An unlabeled globe with a clear red equator line halfway between its poles.
Etymology
equatLatinmake equal
+orLatinone that performs an action

The name means “equalizer” of day and night: when the sun is on the celestial equator, their lengths are equal. The name later extended to Earth’s line midway between the poles.

In context

P U R A N0:27
The equator is an arbitrary line dividing the earth between the northern and southern hemisphere. This is one of the horizontal lines known as a latitude line.
What Is Equator? Explained | 13 Interesting Facts about Equator You Didn't Know

More examples

  • She traces the equator with her finger on the globe.
  • Jupiter has powerful winds near its equator.
  • The ship crosses the equator on its way south.

Forms

equator · equators

equatorial adjective — Located on or near a planet's equator.