/
məˈrɪdɪən/
n.
- a circle of constant longitude passing through a given place on the earth's surface and the poles.
▸Astronomy a circle passing through the celestial poles and the zenith of a given place on the earth's surface.
- (in acupuncture and Chinese medicine) a pathway in the body along which vital energy is said to flow.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. meridien, from L. meridianum ‘noon’, from medius ‘middle’ + dies ‘day’; the astronomy use is due to the fact that the sun crosses a meridian at noon.