zenith

Diagram showing the relationship between the zenith, the nadir, and different types of horizon. Note that the zenith is opposite the nadir.

Meaning

The point in the sky vertically above a given position or observer; the point in the celestial sphere opposite the nadir.
The highest point in the sky reached by a celestial body.
Highest point or state; peak.

From Middle English cenyth, from Medieval Latin cenit, from Arabic سَمْت ("direction, path"), from the fuller form سَمْت اَلرَّأْس. The -ni- for -m- is sometimes thought to be due to a misreading of the three strokes, which is plausible, though it could be a mere phonetic approximation.

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