Solstice (noun)

1. Either of the two times in a year, the summer solstice and the winter solstice, when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator.
2. The point on the celestial sphere at which the ecliptic and the celestial equator intersect, marking the beginning of the astronomical seasons.

Origin:

From latin solstitium, from sol ("sun") + -stitium ("a standing, stopping"), from sistere ("to cause to stand still"), from proto-indo-european *sta- ("to stand").

Examples:

1. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year.
2. The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year.
3. The solstice marks the beginning of the astronomical seasons.
4. Many ancient cultures celebrated the solstice as a significant event.
5. The solstice is a time when the days begin to get longer or shorter depending on the season.