equinoctial, adj. & n.
--adj.
1 happening at or near the time of an equinox (equinoctial gales).
2 of or relating to equal day and night.
3 at or near the (terrestrial) equator.
--n. (in full equinoctial line) = celestial equator.
equinoctial point the point at which the ecliptic cuts the celestial equator (twice each year at an equinox). equinoctial year see YEAR.
ME f. OF equinoctial or L aequinoctialis (as EQUINOX)