Pole, n. [L. polus, Gr. &?; a pivot or hinge on which anything turns,
an axis, a pole; akin to &?; to move: cf. F. pÙle.] 1. Either extremity
of an axis of a sphere; especially, one of the extremities of the
earth's axis; as, the north pole.
2. (Spherics) A point upon the surface of a sphere equally distant from
every part of the circumference of a great circle; or the point in
which a diameter of the sphere perpendicular to the plane of such
circle meets the surface. Such a point is called the pole of that
circle; as, the pole of the horizon; the pole of the ecliptic; the pole
of a given meridian.
3. (Physics) One of the opposite or contrasted parts or directions in
which a polar force is manifested; a point of maximum intensity of a
force which has two such points, or which has polarity; as, the poles
of a magnet; the north pole of a needle.