day degree

noun

: one degree above or below a temperature adopted as a standard (as 42° F for the temperature at which vegetation commences) for a period of 24 hours or its equivalent (as 2° for 12 hours or 4° for 6 hours)

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of day degree was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Day degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/day%20degree. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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