nadir

Noun
Synonyms: low-water mark

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. an extreme state of adversity; the lowest point of anythingSynonyms: low-water mark
  2. the point below the observer that is directly opposite the zenith on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Nadir \Na"dir\ (n[=a]"d[~e]r), n. [F., Sp., & It. nadir; all fr. Ar. naz[imac]ru's samt nadir, prop., the point opposite the zenith (as samt), in which naz[imac]r means alike, corresponding to. Cf. Azimuth, Zenith.]

1.That point of the heavens, or lower hemisphere, directly opposite the zenith; the inferior pole of the horizon; the point of the celestial sphere directly under the place where we stand. [1913 Webster]

2.The lowest point; the time of greatest depression. [1913 Webster]

The seventh century is the nadir of the human mind in Europe.— Hallam.[1913 Webster]

Nadir of the sun (Astron.), the axis of the conical shadow projected by the earth. --Crabb. [1913 Webster]

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