tropic Meaning, Definition & Usage

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
adjective satellite relating to or situated in or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator)
tropical.
- tropical islands
- tropical fruit
adjective satellite of weather or climate; hot and humid as in the tropics
tropical.
- tropical weather

Atropine + -ic.

(Chem.) Of, pertaining to, or designating, an acid obtained from atropine and certain other alkaloids, as a white crystalline substance slightly soluble in water.

F. tropique, L.tropicus of or belonging to a turn, i. e., of the sun, Gr. of the solstice, (sc. ) the tropic or solstice, fr. to turn. See Trope.

(Astron.) One of the two small circles of the celestial sphere, situated on each side of the equator, at a distance of 23° 28&min;, and parallel to it, which the sun just reaches at its greatest declination north or south, and from which it turns again toward the equator, the northern circle being called the Tropic of Cancer, and the southern the Tropic of Capricorn, from the names of the two signs at which they touch the ecliptic.
(Geog.) (a) One of the two parallels of terrestrial latitude corresponding to the celestial tropics, and called by the same names. (b) pl. The region lying between these parallels of latitude, or near them on either side.
The brilliant flowers of the tropics bloom from the windows of the greenhouse and the saloon. Bancroft.