climate
climate Lexical Profile
climate Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The long-term pattern of weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation, prevailing in a particular region over an extended period.
"Mediterranean coastal regions are well known for their mild winter climate and hot, dry summers."
The prevailing attitudes, standards, or environmental conditions characterizing a group, period, or sphere of activity.
"The uncertain economic climate prompted several tech companies to delay their expansion plans."
A geographical region or zone characterized by specific prevailing atmospheric conditions.
"Many retirees choose to relocate to a warmer climate to escape harsh northern winters."
Word Nuance & Usage
In meteorology, 'climate' refers to long-term weather averages over decades or centuries, whereas 'weather' refers to short-term, day-to-day atmospheric conditions. Similarly, the adjective 'climatic' relates to climate, whereas 'climactic' relates to a climax or turning point.
• Rhymes for climate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'climat', from Late Latin 'clima', and ultimately from Ancient Greek 'klima' (literally 'inclination' or 'slope'), referring to the supposed slope of the Earth and the sky from the equator to the poles, which ancient geographers divided into latitudinal zones with distinct temperatures.