solar

¹

[ soh-ler ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the sun:

   solar phenomena.

2. determined by the sun:

   solar hour.

3. proceeding from the sun, as light or heat.
4. utilizing, operated by, or depending on solar energy:

   a solar building;

   a solar stove.

5. indicating time by means of or with reference to the sun:

   a solar chronometer.

6. manufacturing or providing solar power:

   the solar industry.

7. Astrology. subject to the influence of the sun.

noun

1. Informal. solar energy.

solar

²

[ sol-er, soh-ler ]

noun

1. a private or upper chamber in a medieval English house.

solar

/ ˈsəʊlə /

adjective

1. of or relating to the sun

   solar eclipse

2. operating by or utilizing the energy of the sun

   solar cell

3. astronomy determined from the motion of the earth relative to the sun

   solar year

4. astrology subject to the influence of the sun

solar

/ sō′lər /

1. Relating to the Sun.
2. Using or operated by energy from the Sun.
3. Measured in reference to the Sun.

Word History and Origins

Origin of solar¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin sōlāris, equivalent to sōl + -āris adjective suffix; sun, -ar ¹

Origin of solar²

First recorded before 900; Middle English solar, soler, from Old English solor, soler, and Anglo-French soler, Old French solier, from Latin sōlārium solarium

Word History and Origins

Origin of solar¹

C15: from Latin sōlāris, from sōl the sun

Example Sentences

As the Arctic warms at a faster rate than the rest of the planet, Earth’s overall surface becomes less reflective and thereby increases the absorption of solar radiation.

From Salon

To achieve these improvements, the research team focused on understanding the efficiency and stability losses induced by the hole transport layer which plays an important role in the solar cell performance.

From Science Daily

Renewable sources of energy like wind and solar are growing very quickly and prices have fallen considerably over the past decade.

From BBC

The risk was thought to increase toward the poles, where Earth’s magnetic field funnels solar storms.

From Science Magazine

His government imposed duties in May targeting China's electric cars, solar panels and steels.

From BBC

Related Words

• cosmic