Definition: equinox

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7

equinox
     n 1: either of two times of the year when the sun crosses the
          plane of the earth's equator and day and night are of
          equal length
     2: (astronomy) either of the two celestial points at which the
        celestial equator intersects the ecliptic [syn: equinoctial
        point]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Equinox \E"qui*nox\, n. [OE. equinoxium, equenoxium, L.
   aequinoctium; aequus equal + nox, noctis, night: cf. F.
   ['e]quinoxe. See Equal, and Night.]
   1. The time when the sun enters one of the equinoctial
      points, that is, about March 21 and September 22. See
      Autumnal equinox, Vernal equinox, under Autumnal and
      Vernal.

            When descends on the Atlantic The gigantic Stormwind
            of the equinox.                       --Longfellow.

   2. Equinoctial wind or storm. [R.] --Dryden.