tropic
|trop-ic|
🇺🇸
/ˈtroʊpɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˈtrɒpɪk/
hot equatorial region
Etymology
'tropic' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'tropicus', where the root 'tropos' (from Greek) meant 'turn' or 'a turning'.
'tropic' changed from the Greek word 'tropikos' (from 'tropos'), passed into Latin as 'tropicus', and eventually entered modern English as 'tropic' via Medieval Latin and later borrowings.
Initially, it meant 'of or relating to a turn or change', but over time it evolved into meanings such as 'relating to the tropics' and 'directed toward/stimulating' in biological contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
either of the two parallels of latitude on the Earth at approximately 23.5° north (Tropic of Cancer) and 23.5° south (Tropic of Capricorn).
The Tropic of Cancer passes through Mexico and India.
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Adjective 1
of, relating to, or characteristic of the tropics (the region of the Earth near the equator).
A tropic climate is generally hot and humid.
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Adjective 2
directed toward or affecting a specified organ or part; stimulating (used especially in biology/endocrinology, e.g., gonadotropic).
Tropic hormones act on other endocrine glands to regulate their function.
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Last updated: 2025/11/26 20:44