an|tip|o|des

an|tip|o|des «an TIHP uh deez», noun (plural).

1. two places on directly opposite sides of the earth: »

The North Pole and the South Pole are antipodes.

2. a place on the opposite side of the earth.

3. Figurative. two opposites or contraries: »

Hate and love are antipodes.

4. Figurative. the direct opposite.

5. Australia and New Zealand, so known because of their position in relation to that of England.

6. Obsolete. those who dwell directly opposite to each other, or directly opposite to us, on the earth.

╂[< Latin antipodes < Greek antípodes, plural of antípous with feet opposite < anti- opposite + poús foot]

Usage Antipodes is plural in form and plural or singular in use for defs. 2, 4, and 5.