I. ˈklīmə̇t, usu -d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English climat, from Middle French climat, from Late Latin climat-, clima, from Greek klimat-, klima inclination, the supposed slope of the earth toward the pole, region, clime, from klinein to slope, incline — more at lean
1. in ancient and old geography
a. : any of seven astrological belts or zones of the earth each presided over by a planet
b. : any of the 30 zones (24 between the equator and either polar circle) into which the surface of the earth was divided according to the successive increase of half an hour in the length of the longest day within successive zones
2. : a region of the earth especially considered with reference to its climatic conditions : clime
his physician advised moving to another climate
3.
a. : the average course or condition of the weather at a particular place over a period of many years as exhibited in absolute extremes, means, and frequencies of given departures from these means, of temperature, wind velocity, precipitation, and other weather elements
b. : the prevailing set of conditions (as of temperature, humidity, or freshness of atmosphere) in any place
the climate maintained inside our houses — E.L.Ullman
the climate in the vault has to be carefully controlled — Joseph Wechsberg
4. : the prevailing temper, outlook, set of attitudes, or environmental conditions (as in regard to a particular activity or concern) characterizing a group or period : milieu
a financial climate favorable to the nation's economic health — Economist
a petty and bickering office climate
the 19th century climate of opinion
a climate of fear
II. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
obsolete : to dwell or visit for a period in a particular climate or region