zenith

Definition

The point in the sky vertically above a given position or observer; the point in the celestial sphere opposite the nadir.

Etymology

From Middle English cenyth, from Medieval Latin cenit, from Arabic سَمْت (samt, “direction, path”), from the fuller form سَمْت اَلرَّأْس (samt ar-raʔs, “direction of the head”). The -ni- for -m- is sometimes thought to be due to a misreading of the three strokes, which is plausible, though it could be a mere phonetic approximation.

Example Sentences

• "The 12 day wee had the wind high and large ſo that in two dayes ſaile we made the Sunne our Zenith or verticall point[…]"
• "In this 10th m. appeared that prodigious Comett the tayl whereof was like the blade of a double edged sword, and reached almost from the horizon to the zenith."
• "In the east a pillar of cloud reared from horizon to zenith, with a kind of arm outstretched like a threatening colossus."

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