tropic

/ˈtrɑpɪk/

Other forms: tropics

Definitions of tropic

1. noun

   either of two parallels of latitude about 23.5 degrees to the north and south of the equator representing the points farthest north and south at which the sun can shine directly overhead and constituting the boundaries of the Torrid Zone or tropics
   examples:

   Tropic of Cancer

   a line of latitude about 23 degrees to the north of the equator

   Tropic of Capricorn

   a line of latitude about 23 degrees to the south of the equator

   type of:

   latitude, line of latitude, parallel, parallel of latitude

   an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator
2. adjective

   relating to or situated in or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator)
   synonyms: tropical

   equatorial

   of or existing at or near the geographic equator
3. adjective

   of weather or climate; hot and humid as in the tropics
   synonyms: tropical

   hot

   used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning