zenithal

[ zee-nuh-thuhlor, especially British, zen-uh- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the zenith; situated at or near the zenith.
2. (of a map) drawn to indicate the actual direction of any point from the center point.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zenithal¹

First recorded in 1855–60; zenith + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The group predicts a zenithal hourly rate of about 90 shooting stars around the peak.

From Washington Post

When drawing up a map, a cartographer must choose between zenithal, gnomonic, stereographic, orthographic, globular, conical, cylindrical or sinusoidal modes of projection — each of which brings with it as many disadvantages as benefits.

From The New Yorker

At peak, the zenithal hourly rate is expected to be about 120 shooting stars an hour, according to the International Meteor Organization.

From Washington Post

A thick fog came down on us, with zenithal aurora borealis, the electric action of which threw out every compass, standard and otherwise, on board.

From Project Gutenberg