Nadiral
/ˈneɪ.dɪ.rəl/noun
Relating to or situated at the nadir, the point directly beneath an observer.
Did you know?Nadir ultimately comes from medieval Arabic astronomy, where it was understood as the point opposite the zenith—the unseen “underworld” of the sky, though not originally a demonic term.
Etymological Timeline
10th–11th Century
Arabic
naẓīr as-samt
“The opposite of the direction or point; the astronomical point opposite the zenith.”
12th Century
Medieval Arabic
naẓīr
“The counterpart or opposite; shortened astronomical form of the expression.”
12th–13th Century
Medieval Latin
nadir
“The point on the celestial sphere directly below an observer, opposite the zenith.”
13th–14th Century
Old French
nadir
“The astronomical point opposite the zenith.”
17th Century
English
nadir
“The lowest point, both literally in astronomy and figuratively in fortune or condition.”
Modern English
English
nadiral
“Relating to or situated at the nadir, formed from nadir with the adjective-forming suffix -al.”