nadirs

Noun

nadir (plural nadirs)

1. The point of the celestial sphere, directly opposite the zenith; inferior pole of the horizon; point of the celestial sphere directly under the place of observation.
   • […] when we are Nadyr to the Sunne, we have no ſhadow […]1638, Sir Thomas Herbert, Some years travels into divers parts of Asia and Afrique

   Synonyms:

   antizenith

   Antonyms:

   zenith

2. (figuratively) The lowest point; time of greatest depression.
   • Near-synonym: dead

   Synonyms:

   lowest ebb, slough of despond, trough, bathos, low point, dead

   Antonyms:

   height, peak

3. The axis of a projected conical shadow; the direction of the force of gravity at a location; down.
   • The nadir of the sun is the axis of the shadow projected by the Earth.

   Synonyms:

   down

4. (archaic) An empty box added beneath a full one in a beehive to give the colony more room to expand or store honey.

   Antonyms:

   duplet, super

See all 7 meanings of nadir