— tropicality , n. — tropically , adv.
/trop"i keuhl/ for 1-4, 6; /troh"pi keuhl/ for 5 , adj.
1. pertaining to, characteristic of, occurring in, or inhabiting the tropics, esp. the humid tropics: tropical flowers.
2. very hot and humid: a tropical climate.
3. designed for use in the tropics or in very hot weather (often used in combination): tropical-weight woolens.
4. of or pertaining to either or both of the astronomical tropics.
5. pertaining to, characterized by, or of the nature of a trope or tropes; metaphorical.
n.
6. tropicals , lightweight clothing, suitable for warm, esp. summer weather.
[ 1520-30; TROPIC + -AL 1 ]