1. The part of the Earth's surface between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn; characterized by a hot climate
   "Many species thrive in the tropics";
   - Torrid Zone, tropical zone

1. Either of two parallels of latitude about 23.5 degrees to the north and south of the equator representing the points farthest north and south at which the sun can shine directly overhead and constituting the boundaries of the Torrid Zone or tropics
   "The Tropic of Cancer passes through Mexico"

Type of: climatic zone, latitude, line of latitude, parallel, parallel of latitude

Encyclopedia: Tropics