zenithward

zenithward

English

Etymology

zenith +‎ -ward

Adjective

zenithward (not comparable)

1. Facing or moving toward the zenith.
   • 1903, O. M. Ball, “The Effect of Tension upon the Development of Mechanical Tissues of Plants,” Transactions of the Texas Academy of Science, Austin, TX, Volume 5, p. 97,

     In this manner are the results to be explained which appear when a forcibly bent stem is so placed that the plane of the curve is horizontal. Under these conditions it appears that the action of gravitation predominates, since only the zenithward side underwent thickening of the cell walls.

Adverb

zenithward (not comparable)

1. Toward the zenith.
   • 1898, H. G. Wells, The War of the Worlds, Book One, Chapter One,

     It was starlight and I explained the Signs of the Zodiac to her, and pointed out Mars, a bright dot of light creeping zenithward, towards which so many telescopes were pointed.

   • 1990, R. M. Koster and Guillermo Sánchez Borbón, In the Time of the Tyrants: Panama, 1968-1990, New York: Norton, Chapter 1, p. 42,

     Nineteen eighty-six was officially declared the “Year of Peace—Security without War,” by order of General of Forces Manuel Noriega. All over Panama, signs with that slogan blossomed, often embossed with a ring of five stars, the general’s insignia, and little white doves flapping bravely zenithward.

Alternative forms

• zenithwards