nadir

Definition

The point of the celestial sphere, directly opposite the zenith; inferior pole of the horizon; point of the celestial sphere directly under the place of observation.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin nadir, from Arabic نَظِير السَّمْت (naẓīr as-samt), composed of نَظِير (naẓīr, “counterpart, corresponding to”) and السَّمْت (as-samt, “the zenith”).

Example Sentences

• "[…] when we are Nadyr to the Sunne, we have no ſhadow […]"
• "Near-synonym: dead"
• "[…] the seventh century is the nadir of the human mind in Europe […]"

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