SOL'STICE, n. [L. solstitium; sol, the sun, and sto, to stand.] In astronomy, the point in the ecliptic at which the sun stops or ceases to recede from the equator, eith north in summer, or south in winter; a tropic or tropical point. There are two solstices; the summer solsitce, the first degree of Cancer, which the sun enter on the 21st of June, and the winter solstice, the first degree of Capricorn, which the sun enters on the 21st of Decenber.
SOLSIT""TIAL, a.
1. Pertaining to a solstice; as a solstitial point.
2. Happening at a solstice; usually with us, at the summer solstice or midsummer; as solstitial heat.
