analemma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+Technical/Scientific, Academic
Quick answer
What does “analemma” mean?
A diagram in the shape of a figure-eight showing the position of the Sun in the sky at the same time of day over the course of a year, as observed from a fixed point on Earth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A diagram in the shape of a figure-eight showing the position of the Sun in the sky at the same time of day over the course of a year, as observed from a fixed point on Earth.
The term can also refer to the corresponding curve described by the Sun's position, representing the declination of the Sun and the equation of time. In broader technical contexts, it can refer to any similar plot of one celestial body's position versus time from a fixed observation point.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The concept and term are used identically in both scientific communities.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined almost exclusively to technical astronomy, cartography, and related academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “analemma” in a Sentence
The analemma of [celestial body]An analemma for [latitude/observer]The analemma shows [parameter]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “analemma” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The analemmatic sundial is a related design.
- The analemma projection was used in the chart.
American English
- The analemmatic sundial is a related design.
- The analemma projection was used in the map.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in astronomy, geography, geodesy, and cartography courses and publications. Example: 'The analemma is crucial for understanding the equation of time and solar declination.'
Everyday
Virtually never used. An informed layperson might encounter it in popular science writing or on specialised globes/sundials.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Found in technical manuals for celestial navigation, astronomy software, and advanced cartographic texts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “analemma”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “analemma”
- Misspelling: 'analemna', 'annelama'. Mispronunciation: /ˈænəliːmə/ (stress and vowel errors). Incorrect plural: 'analemmas' is correct; 'analemmata' is rare and hyper-correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a diagram or curve, shaped like a figure-eight, that shows the position of the Sun in the sky at the same clock time every day over the course of a year.
The shape results from two main factors: the tilt of the Earth's axis (causing the north-south component) and the Earth's elliptical orbit (causing the equation of time, or east-west component).
They are often printed on world globes in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. They are also featured on some specialist sundials (analemmatic sundials) and in astronomy textbooks.
No, it is a very rare, specialised term. Most native English speakers would not know it unless they have an interest in astronomy, geography, or cartography.
A diagram in the shape of a figure-eight showing the position of the Sun in the sky at the same time of day over the course of a year, as observed from a fixed point on Earth.
Analemma is usually technical/scientific, academic in register.
Analemma: in British English it is pronounced /ˌanəˈlɛmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænəˈlɛmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Anna Lemma' draws a LEMNiscate (the infinity symbol, ∞) in the sky to track the Sun. ANALemma = ANnual + LEMniscate.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUN'S ANNUAL SIGNATURE; A CELESTIAL CLOCK FACE WITH A TWIST.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'analemma' primarily used?