horizon

[huh-rahy-zuhn]

noun

1. the line or circle that forms the apparent boundary between earth and sky.

2. Astronomy.

   1. the small circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is tangent to the earth at the position of a given observer, or the plane of such a circle sensible horizon.

   2. Also called rational horizon. the great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane passes through the center of the earth and is parallel to the sensible horizon of a given position, or the plane of such a circle celestial horizon.

3. the limit or range of perception, knowledge, or the like.

4. Usually horizons the scope of a person's interest, education, understanding, etc..

   His horizons were narrow.

   Synonyms: viewpoint, domain, perspective, world

5. Geology.,  a thin, distinctive stratum useful for stratigraphic correlation.

6. Also called soil horizon. any of the series of distinctive layers found in a vertical cross section of any well-developed soil.

horizon

/ həˈraɪzən /

noun

1. Also called: visible horizon.  apparent horizon. the apparent line that divides the earth and the sky

2. astronomy

   1. Also called: sensible horizon. the circular intersection with the celestial sphere of the plane tangential to the earth at the position of the observer

   2. Also called: celestial horizon. the great circle on the celestial sphere, the plane of which passes through the centre of the earth and is parallel to the sensible horizon

3. the range or limit of scope, interest, knowledge, etc

4. a thin layer of rock within a stratum that has a distinct composition, esp of fossils, by which the stratum may be dated

5. a layer in a soil profile having particular characteristics See A horizon B horizon C horizon

6. likely or about to happen or appear

horizon

1. 1. The apparent intersection of the Earth and sky as seen by an observer.

   2. See celestial horizon

   3. See sensible horizon

2. Geology

   1. A specific position in a stratigraphic column, such as the location of one or more fossils, that serves to identify the stratum with a particular period.

   2. A specific layer of soil or subsoil in a vertical cross-section of land.

3. Archaeology,  A period during which the influence of a particular culture spread rapidly over a defined area.

Other Word Forms

• horizonless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of horizon¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin horizōn, from Greek horízōn (kýklos) “bounding (circle),” equivalent to horíz(ein) “to bound, limit” + -ōn present participle suffix (nominative singular); replacing Middle English orizonte, from Middle French, from Latin horizontem, accusative of horizōn

Word History and Origins

Origin of horizon¹

C14: from Latin, from Greek horizōn kuklos limiting circle, from horizein to limit, from horos limit

Idioms and Phrases

see on the horizon.

Example Sentences

To best view the eclipse, get somewhere ahead of 19:30 with as clear a view of the horizon as possible so that you can see the Moon as soon as it rises.

From BBC

De Los caught up with Vega about his breakthrough year and what it means to broaden his horizons as a Mexican artist.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s an opportunity for kids to broaden their horizons and learn tolerance, which is necessary for a society to function.”

From Los Angeles Times

The department’s maintenance and operations budget has been stagnant for years and its staff has been shrinking, with more trouble on the horizon as temporary funding sources dry up in the next few years.

From Los Angeles Times

The razor-sharp mountains on the horizon don’t inspire your imagination — they make you think of Machu Picchu.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boundary 
• perspective 
• prospect 
• scope