Poles of the heavens
(gcide) | Pole \Pole\, n. [L. polus, Gr. ? a pivot or hinge on which
anything turns, an axis, a pole; akin to ? to move: cf. F.
p[^o]le.]
1. Either extremity of an axis of a sphere; especially, one
of the extremities of the earth's axis; as, the north
pole.
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2. (Spherics) A point upon the surface of a sphere equally
distant from every part of the circumference of a great
circle; or the point in which a diameter of the sphere
perpendicular to the plane of such circle meets the
surface. Such a point is called the pole of that circle;
as, the pole of the horizon; the pole of the ecliptic; the
pole of a given meridian.
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3. (Physics) One of the opposite or contrasted parts or
directions in which a polar force is manifested; a point
of maximum intensity of a force which has two such points,
or which has polarity; as, the poles of a magnet; the
north pole of a needle.
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4. The firmament; the sky. [Poetic]
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Shoots against the dusky pole. --Milton.
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5. (Geom.) See Polarity, and Polar, n.
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Magnetic pole. See under Magnetic.
Poles of the earth, or Terrestrial poles (Geog.), the two
opposite points on the earth's surface through which its
axis passes.
Poles of the heavens, or Celestial poles, the two
opposite points in the celestial sphere which coincide
with the earth's axis produced, and about which the
heavens appear to revolve.
[1913 Webster] Poleax |