Definition of ZENITH

zenith

Meanings

Plural: zeniths

Noun

  • the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
  • The point in the sky vertically above a given position or observer; the point in the celestial sphere opposite the nadir.
  • The highest point in the sky reached by a celestial body.
  • Highest point or state; peak.

Origin / 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.

Antonyms

antizenith, nadir, perigee

Scrabble Score: 18

zenith is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
zenith is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
zenith is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 18

zenith is a valid Words With Friends word