February

Definition

February is the second month of the Gregorian calendar, typically consisting of 28 days, except during leap years when it has 29 days. It is associated with winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɛb.juˌɛr.i/ or /ˈfɛb.ruˌɛr.i/
• Respelling: FEB-yoo-air-ee or FEB-roo-air-ee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɛb.ruˌər.i/ or /ˈfɛb.juˌər.i/
• Respelling: FEB-roo-uh-ree or FEB-yoo-uh-ree

Etymology

The word "February" originates from the Latin "Februarius," which was named after "Februa," an ancient Roman purification festival held on the 15th day of the month. It entered Old English from Old French, eventually becoming the modern term for the second month of the year.

Derivatives

• February-like (adjective)
• Februation (noun, archaic)
• Februal (adjective, archaic)
• Leap February (noun)
• February-born (adjective)

Synonyms

• Second month
• Winter month
• None

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "February" is commonly used to refer to the second month of the year in various contexts, such as planning, holidays, and weather discussions. For instance, "Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14," or "February is the coldest month of the year in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere."

Related Terms

• Leap Year: A year with an additional day in February.
• Calendar: A system for organizing days, months, and years.
• Seasons: Periods of the year associated with specific weather patterns, with February falling in winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The second month of the Gregorian calendar: Usually associated with 28 or 29 days, depending on whether the year is a leap year.
  • Example: "The Winter Olympics are often held in February."
• A time associated with specific holidays or seasonal events: Includes events like Valentine's Day and, in leap years, February 29.
  • Example: "Leap day occurs in February every four years."