'Nadir' definitions:
Definition of 'nadir'
(from WordNet)
noun
An extreme state of adversity; the lowest point of anything [syn: nadir, low-water mark]
noun
The point below the observer that is directly opposite the zenith on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected [ant: zenith]
Definition of 'Nadir'
From: 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]
Synonyms of 'nadir'
From: Moby Thesaurus