climate
/ˈklʌɪmət
/noun
1The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period: our cold, wet climate [mass noun]: agricultural development is constrained by climate...
- During climate extremes, whether droughts or flooding rains, those on the land feel it most.
- A monsoon climate of alternating wet and dry seasons characterizes the weather.
- A microclimate describes the climate of a small environment such as a town, forest or garden.
Synonyms
weather pattern, weather conditions, weather, atmospheric conditions
1.1A region with a particular climate: he had grown up in a hot climate...
- Because chili peppers thrive in very warm, hot climates, equatorial regions seem to have the heaviest concentration of pungent cuisine.
- A common example is the relatively faster rate of sugar increase in warm to hot climates compared to flavour increase and acid decrease.
- Also known as elephant's ear, this water lover does best in warm climates; in colder regions, you can grow it indoors.
Synonyms
region, area, zone, country, place
literary clime
1.2The prevailing trend of public opinion or of another aspect of life: the current economic climate...
- In the political climate of today public service broadcasting may seem a concept that has outlived its relevance.
- The climate of Scottish political opinion on tax has altered markedly in the last couple of years.
- The political and economic climates of the day will impact how much a nation supports a particular EU operation.
Synonyms
atmosphere, mood, temper, spirit, feeling, feel, ambience, aura, tenor, tendency, essence, ethos, attitude, milieu
informal vibe(s)
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French climat or late Latin clima, climat-, from Greek klima 'slope, zone', from klinein 'to slope'. The term originally denoted a zone of the earth between two lines of latitude, then any region of the earth, and later, a region considered with reference to its atmospheric conditions. Compare with clime.
This is from late Latin clima, climat-, from Greek klima ‘slope, zone’. The term originally meant a zone of the earth between two lines of latitude, then any region of the earth, and later its atmospheric conditions.