経線(けいせん)

けいせん
noun
meridian; line of longitude
1. meridian; line of longitude
An imaginary line running from the North Pole to the South Pole on a globe or map, used to measure longitude. The prime meridian (0 degrees) passes through Greenwich, England.
経線(けいせん)は南北(なんぼく)に走(はし)る。
Meridians run from north to south.
地図(ちず)には経線(けいせん)と緯線(いせん)が描(えが)かれている。
Meridians and parallels are drawn on the map.
日本(にほん)の標準時(ひょうじゅんじ)は東経(とうけい)135度(ど)の経線(けいせん)を基準(きじゅん)にしている。
Japan Standard Time is based on the meridian at 135 degrees east longitude.

Composed of 経(けい) (longitude; passing through) and 線(せん) (line). A fundamental geography term taught in schools. Always used in contrast with 緯線(いせん) (parallel, line of latitude), and the pair is essential for understanding maps and global coordinates.

Note the homophone 罫線(けいせん) (ruled line), which has the same reading but a completely different meaning.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 経線(けいせん)と緯線(いせん): meridians and parallels
  • 本初(ほんしょ)子午線(しごせん): prime meridian (0 degrees)
  • 東経(とうけい)…度(ど)の経線(けいせん): the meridian at … degrees east longitude
  • 日付変更線(ひづけへんこうせん): International Date Line

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 緯線(いせん): parallel, line of latitude — runs east-west; the counterpart to 経線(けいせん)
  • 子午線(しごせん): meridian — a more formal or literary synonym
  • 経度(けいど): longitude — the numerical measurement, not the line itself
general
Added 2026.4.29 0:36
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