[cli.mate] n [ME climat, fr. MF, fr. LL climat-, clima, fr. Gk klimat-, klima inclination, latitude, climate, fr. klinein to lean--more at lean] (14c) 1: a region of the earth having specified climatic conditions
2. a: the average course or condition of the weather at a place usu. over a period of years as exhibited by temperature, wind velocity, and precipitation b: the prevailing set of conditions (as of temperature and humidity) indoors "a climate-controlled office"
3: the prevailing influence or environmental conditions characterizing a group or period: atmosphere "a ~ of fear"