Word
nadir
US/ˈneɪdɝ/
UK/nˈædiə/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the lowest point in the sky that a star or planet reaches. It is the opposite of the highest point, called the zenith.
n. the lowest point in the sky reached by a celestial body, specifically the point where it is farthest from the zenith. Often used in astronomical contexts to describe the position of a star or planet relative to an observer.
Examples
“The star reached its nadir just before midnight.”
“As the planet moved toward its nadir, the light from its surface became much dimmer and harder to observe.”
“The astronomer noted that the comet's trajectory would bring it to its nadir within the next hour, providing a unique opportunity for high-resolution imaging of its tail.”
Examples
simple
“The star reached its nadir just before midnight.”
contextual
“As the planet moved toward its nadir, the light from its surface became much dimmer and harder to observe.”
complex
“The astronomer noted that the comet's trajectory would bring it to its nadir within the next hour, providing a unique opportunity for high-resolution imaging of its tail.”
Real-World Examples
“This brought a drop down the leagues that the more nostalgic fans continue to celebrate, but York away is no longer the nadir in the club’s history.” “I wanted a panacea, instead I have ended up in this nadir of algorithms.” Etymology
From Medieval Latin nadir, from Arabic نَظِير السَّمْت (naẓīr as-samt), composed of نَظِير (naẓīr, “counterpart, corresponding to”) and السَّمْت (as-samt, “the zenith”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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