horizon

[ huh-rahy-zuhn ]

noun

1. the line or circle that forms the apparent boundary between earth and sky.
2. Astronomy.
   1. the small circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is tangent to the earth at the position of a given observer, or the plane of such a circle sensible horizon.
   2. Also called rational horizon. the great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane passes through the center of the earth and is parallel to the sensible horizon of a given position, or the plane of such a circle celestial horizon.
3. the limit or range of perception, knowledge, or the like.
4. Usually horizons. the scope of a person's interest, education, understanding, etc.:

   His horizons were narrow.

   Synonyms: viewpoint, domain, perspective, world

5. Geology. a thin, distinctive stratum useful for stratigraphic correlation.
6. Also called soil horizon. any of the series of distinctive layers found in a vertical cross section of any well-developed soil.

horizon

/ həˈraɪzən /

noun

1. Also calledvisible horizonapparent horizon the apparent line that divides the earth and the sky
2. astronomy
   1. Also calledsensible horizon the circular intersection with the celestial sphere of the plane tangential to the earth at the position of the observer
   2. Also calledcelestial horizon the great circle on the celestial sphere, the plane of which passes through the centre of the earth and is parallel to the sensible horizon
3. the range or limit of scope, interest, knowledge, etc
4. a thin layer of rock within a stratum that has a distinct composition, esp of fossils, by which the stratum may be dated
5. a layer in a soil profile having particular characteristics See A horizon B horizon C horizon
6. on the horizon
   likely or about to happen or appear

horizon

/ hə-rī′zən /

1. 1. The apparent intersection of the Earth and sky as seen by an observer.
   2. See celestial horizon
   3. See sensible horizon
2. Geology.
   1. A specific position in a stratigraphic column, such as the location of one or more fossils, that serves to identify the stratum with a particular period.
   2. A specific layer of soil or subsoil in a vertical cross-section of land.
3. Archaeology.
   A period during which the influence of a particular culture spread rapidly over a defined area.

Derived Forms

• hoˈrizonless, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of horizon¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin horizōn, from Greek horízōn (kýklos) “bounding (circle),” equivalent to horíz(ein) “to bound, limit” + -ōn present participle suffix (nominative singular); replacing Middle English orizonte, from Middle French, from Latin horizontem, accusative of horizōn

Word History and Origins

Origin of horizon¹

C14: from Latin, from Greek horizōn kuklos limiting circle, from horizein to limit, from horos limit

Idioms and Phrases

see on the horizon .

Example Sentences

As in 2016, the people seemed unready for the transformative potential of a woman’s leadership, much less a woman of color — a vision that remains, tragically, beyond the nation’s collective horizon.

From Salon

With a Trump presidency on the horizon, the president-elect is choosing his inner circle.

From Los Angeles Times

Now almost 20 years into his media career, Shearer is however yet to host a show - could that step up to becoming Match of the day anchor finally be on the horizon?

From BBC

“There were a lot of tough decisions that were on the horizon for us as a football team, and it didn’t have anything to do with us not wanting him here,” McVay said.

From Los Angeles Times

England's repeated failure to get over the horizon and out of sight will give 5-1 outsiders Australia hope.

From BBC

Related Words

• boundary
• perspective
• prospect
• scope