Sign in Subscribe

< Back

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

December

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

December is the twelfth and final month of the Gregorian calendar and in the Julian calendar. It is also the coldest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The month of December has 31 days. It is named after the Latin word decem, which means "ten". This is because December was originally the tenth month of the year in the Roman calendar.

The winter solstice occurs in December in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the day with the shortest amount of daylight in the year. The winter solstice is usually on December 21 or 22.

December is a time for many holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. It is also a time for giving and receiving gifts.

How can the word be used?

December is a cold month in many parts of the world.

December

Different forms of the word

Noun: December.

Adjective: December.

Etymology

The word "December" comes from the Latin word "decem", which means "ten". This is because December was originally the tenth month of the Roman calendar, which began in March.

Question

Which months become before and after December?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Task:

Describe the scientific factors that contribute to the changing seasons, particularly the characteristics of December in the Northern Hemisphere. Additionally, explain how these factors differ in the Southern Hemisphere during December.

Answer:

  • The changing seasons, including the characteristics of December in the Northern Hemisphere, are primarily influenced by the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun.
  • In December (Northern Hemisphere), it is winter. The Earth's axial tilt causes the Northern Hemisphere to be tilted away from the Sun during this time. As a result, the sunlight strikes this part of the Earth at a more oblique angle, leading to shorter daylight hours and less solar energy reaching the surface. Consequently, the temperatures are colder, and the weather tends to be cooler.
  • In contrast, December (Southern Hemisphere) experiences summer. The Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, receiving direct sunlight and experiencing longer daylight hours. This results in warmer temperatures and typically more pleasant weather conditions.
  • Understanding these scientific factors helps us comprehend the variations in weather and daylight between the two hemispheres during December.