nadir

nadir
    n 1: an extreme state of adversity; the lowest point of anything
         [syn: {nadir}, {low-water mark}]
    2: the point below the observer that is directly opposite the
       zenith on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies
       appear to be projected [ant: {zenith}]
    

Nadir \Na"dir\ (n[=a]"d[~e]r), n. [F., Sp., & It. nadir; all fr.
   Ar. naz[imac]ru's samt nadir, prop., the point opposite the
   zenith (as samt), in which naz[imac]r means alike,
   corresponding to. Cf. {Azimuth}, {Zenith}.]
   1. That point of the heavens, or lower hemisphere, directly
      opposite the zenith; the inferior pole of the horizon; the
      point of the celestial sphere directly under the place
      where we stand.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The lowest point; the time of greatest depression.
      [1913 Webster]

            The seventh century is the nadir of the human mind
            in Europe.                            --Hallam.
      [1913 Webster]

   {Nadir of the sun} (Astron.), the axis of the conical shadow
      projected by the earth. --Crabb.
      [1913 Webster]
    

21 Moby Thesaurus words for "nadir":
      base, baseboard, basement, bedrock, bottom, chassis, dado, foot,
      footing, foundation, frame, keel, lower strata, lowest level,
      lowest point, mopboard, shoemold, sole, toe, underlying level,
      wainscot