# tropic

/ˈtɹɑpɪk/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tropic
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. line of latitude

noun · CEFR B2

one of the two lines around the Earth that are 23.5 degrees north or south of the equator.

For teachers: either of the two parallels of latitude (Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn) representing the farthest points north and south where the sun can be directly overhead.

- The Tropic of Cancer passes through Mexico and several countries in North Africa.
- Navigators historically relied on the crossing of the tropic as a significant milestone during long-distance maritime voyages toward the equator.

Usage: Usually capitalized when referring to the specific lines: the Tropic of Cancer or the Tropic of Capricorn.

### 2. the tropics

noun · CEFR B1

the very hot, wet parts of the world between the two tropic lines.

For teachers: the region of the Earth's surface between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, characterized by a hot climate.

- Many colorful birds live in the deep forests of the tropic.
- Ecologists are concerned that rising global temperatures are shifting the biological boundaries of the tropic, affecting migratory patterns.

Usage: Commonly used in the plural form 'the tropics' to refer to the geographical region.

### 3. relating to the tropics

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

related to the hot, wet areas of the world near the equator.

For teachers: of, relating to, or occurring in the tropics; a less common variant of 'tropical'.

- The explorer struggled through the thick tropic heat of the jungle.
- The poet described the tropic air as heavy and fragrant, capturing the stifling atmosphere of the equatorial coast.

Teaching tip: In modern English, 'tropical' is the standard adjective; 'tropic' as an adjective is mostly found in older literature or poetry.

### 4. biological/chemical change

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describes something that causes a change in a living thing or a chemical.

For teachers: having the quality of inducing a biological or chemical change in a system or substrate.

- The scientist studied the tropic effects of the hormone on the plant's growth.
- The research paper detailed the tropic influence of specific enzymes on the metabolic pathways of the bacteria.

## Examples

- The storm stayed well south of the tropic.
- The author's work is a classic example of the tropic, focusing heavily on the sensory details of the jungle.
- While the meteorologist tracked the system's movement toward the tropic, the poet used the same term to describe his own fascination with the raw, unfiltered experiences of the natural world.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.