kəˈnikyələ(r) adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin canicularis, from canicula Sirius, literally, small bitch, diminutive of canis dog — more at hound
1. : immediately preceding and following the heliacal rising of the Dog Star
the days canicular — Edith Sitwell
2. : of or relating to the dog days
the canicular heat of the Deep South