— monsoonal , adj.
/mon soohn"/ , n.
1. the seasonal wind of the Indian Ocean and southern Asia, blowing from the southwest in summer and from the northeast in winter.
2. (in India and nearby lands) the season during which the southwest monsoon blows, commonly marked by heavy rains; rainy season.
3. any wind that changes directions with the seasons.
4. any persistent wind established between water and adjoining land.
[ 1575-85; monssoen (now obs.)
monção, earlier moução mawsim season ]