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 ho·ri·zons. 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 ho·ri·zon. 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. See C horizon, B horizon, A horizon
   a layer in a soil profile having particular characteristics See A horizon B horizon C horizon
6. on the horizon
   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

Others have linked the animal carvings at the site to specific constellations, proposing that a scorpion depicted underground might represent Scorpio below the horizon.

From Nautilus

The post While cut media company pay might be returning soon, confidence in the ad marketplace not on the horizon appeared first on Digiday.

From Digiday

Always look to broaden your horizon, as new customers await your amazing products!

From Search Engine Watch

Brands need to be developing the strategies and at least have these issues on the horizon.

From Search Engine Watch

With stay-at-home orders on the horizon, “our business just dried up immediately,” he says.

From MIT Technology Review

But without any peace talks on the horizon, everyone is now left to their own devices.

From The Daily Beast

They can hear the sound of his boat's motor, growing louder as it comes over the horizon.

From The Daily Beast

Ebah, speaking from his home in the camp, said suggestively, “There are signs of a big thing on the horizon.”

From The Daily Beast

In many ways, Kansas City is a leaving town, a place for pioneers and rovers with an eye on the distant horizon.

From The Daily Beast

But with the 2016 presidential season on the horizon, the Texas firebrand has subtly changed his tune over the last six months.

From The Daily Beast

See how those distant peaks rise serenely over the southern horizon!

From Project Gutenberg

The sky was alight from zenith to horizon, the Nile aflame with sunrise, by the time the letter was written.

From Project Gutenberg

The grand mountain-top bearing that name he had known well in many a distant horizon.

From Project Gutenberg

He saw the Theban Hills rolling their dark, menacing wave along the far horizon.

From Project Gutenberg

The horizon, however, was lowering and hazy, and the sun had not force enough to tear the murky veil asunder.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• boundary
• perspective
• prospect
• scope