Definition:Meridian (Terrestrial)

Definition
A (terrestrial) meridian is a semi-great circle on Earth's surface whose endpoints are Earth's poles.


 * Meridians.png

Also defined as
Some sources recognise a (terrestrial) meridian to be a complete great circle passing through both of Earth's poles.

However, this definition is less convenient.

Also known as
In common parlance, a terrestrial meridian is usually referred to as just a meridian.

The terrestrial descriptor is added so as to distinguish it from a celestial meridian.

Also see

 * Definition:Celestial Meridian