zenithwardhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zenithward_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezenithward, n., adv., & adj.
Revised 2018

zenithwardnoun, adverb, & adjective

  1. noun
    1. 1655–
      The direction leading towards the zenith; that which is closest to the zenith. rare.
      1. 1655
        Count..the angle subtended by the side required, among the almicanters, counted from the zenithward downward on both sides.
        T. Stirrup, Descr. & Use Universall Quadrat ii. lv. 145
      2. 1935
        The inclination of the direction of this force is rotating slowly from zenithward to nadirward.
        Terrestr. Magnetism & Atmospheric Electr. vol. 40 61
  2. adverb
    1. 1835–
      Towards the zenith; in the direction of the zenith.
      1. 1835
        My venerable tabby was lifted from the chair..and went dangling off, zenith-ward.
        W. G. Clark in Knickerbocker January 58
      2. 1868
        It was as a ray of everlasting light and insight this, that had shot itself zenithward from the soul of a man.
        T. Carlyle, Journal 8 June in J. A. Froude, Thomas Carlyle: Life in London (1884) vol. II. xxxi. 371
      3. 1881
        The streamers..still ascending zenithward.
        Nature 10 February 351/1
      4. 1901
        Then, at length, the moon abruptly soared zenithward from out the veiling mist.
        F. Norris, Octopus ii. iii. 387
      5. 1917
        Fountains of light spouting their torrents of splendor zenithward.
        Monist vol. 27 343
      6. 1997
        Dixon..is traversing straight upward, Zenithward.
        T. Pynchon, Mason & Dixon 491
  3. adjective
    1. 1878–
      Pointing, directed, or moving towards the zenith. Somewhat rare.
      1. 1878
        His electric, tentacular eyes..and his zenithward hair attract for him much attention.
        Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Daily Sentinel 19 August
      2. 1914
        Bright as the sun in its zenithward way.
        Sister Mary Clara, Preludes 55
      3. 2006
        The zenithward shift in the apparent position of the star.
        D. S. Birney et al., Observational Astronomy (ed. 2) iv. 79

Originally published as part of the entry for zenith, n. & adj.

zenithward, n., adv., & adj. was revised in June 2018.

zenithward, n., adv., & adj. was last modified in July 2023.