Climate

Definition

Climate is a noun that refers to the long-term average weather patterns of a particular region, including temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation. It is distinct from "weather," which represents short-term conditions.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklaɪmət/
• Respelling: KLY-mət

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklaɪmət/
• Respelling: KLY-mət

Etymology

The word "climate" comes from the Greek word "klima," meaning "slope" or "region," originally referring to the latitude and angle of the Earth’s surface in relation to the sun. It entered Latin as "clima" and then Old French as "climat," eventually coming into English in the Middle Ages to denote the regional weather conditions over time.

Derivatives

• Climatic (adjective)
• Climatically (adverb)
• Climatology (noun)
• Climatologist (noun)
• Climate-controlled (adjective)

Synonyms

• Atmosphere
• Environment
• Weather pattern

Antonyms

• Weather
• Instant
• Moment

Usage

The noun "climate" is commonly used to refer to long-term weather patterns, as in "The desert has an arid climate." It is also used metaphorically to describe social or cultural environments, as in "The political climate is tense."

Related Terms

• Weather: The day-to-day atmospheric conditions, often measured in temperature, precipitation, and humidity.
• Temperature: The degree of heat present in a region, influenced by climate.
• Precipitation: Forms of water, such as rain or snow, that fall from the atmosphere.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The long-term weather patterns of a specific region: Refers to the general atmospheric conditions in an area over extended periods.
  • Example: "The Mediterranean climate is known for its warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters."
• The prevailing mood or conditions in a specific setting or environment: Used metaphorically to describe non-weather environments or social conditions.
  • Example: "The climate in the office has become very competitive."