tropic
UK: ˈtrɒpɪk | US: ˈtrɑːpɪk
n. Either of the two circles of latitude (Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn) marking the northern and southern limits of the tropics.
n. (plural) The regions of the Earth between the tropics, characterized by warm climate.
adj. Relating to or situated in the tropics.
tropic = trop<turning> + ic<adjective suffix>
- trop<turning>: From Greek tropos (turn, direction), referring to the sun's apparent "turning" at the solstices when it reaches its northernmost or southernmost point in the sky.
- ic<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word tropic originates from Greek tropikos ("of or pertaining to a turn"), derived from tropos (turn). This reflects the ancient observation of the sun's seasonal "turning points" at the solstices, which define the boundaries of the tropics. Over time, tropic expanded from an astronomical term to describe the warm, equatorial regions between these latitudes.
The Tropic of Cancer passes through Mexico and India.
Many exotic fruits grow in the tropic zones.
She studied tropic ecosystems during her research trip.
The climate is distinctly tropic near the equator.
Palm trees thrive in tropic environments.