I. |ēkwə|tōrēəl, |ek-, -tȯr- adjective
Etymology: equator + -ial
1.
a. : of, at, or relating to the equator or an equator
equatorial regions
equatorial diameter
b. : of, in, originating in, or suggesting the region around the geographic equator
equatorial forests
equatorial origin
equatorial air masses
equatorial heat
2. : being or having a support that includes two axles at right angles to each other, one being parallel to the earth's axis of rotation so that motion of the instrument supported in right ascension and declination is possible — used of a telescope or other astronomical instrument
3. : extending in a direction essentially in the plane of a cyclohexane or similar cyclic structure ; also : characterized by bonds extending in this manner
equatorial bonds
equatorial hydrogen atoms
— distinguished from axial
II. noun
( -s )
: a telescope that has an equatorial mounting