California

[ kal-uh-fawrn-yuh, -fawr-nee-uh ]

noun

1. a state in the western United States, on the Pacific coast. 158,693 square miles (411,015 square kilometers). : Sacramento. : CA (for use with zip code), Cal., Calif.
2. Gulf of California, an arm of the Pacific Ocean, extending northwest between the coast of western Mexico and the peninsula of Baja California. About 750 miles (1,207 kilometers) long; 62,600 square miles (162,100 square kilometers).

California

/ ˌkælɪˈfɔːnɪə /

noun

1. a state on the W coast of the US: the third largest state in area and the largest in population; consists of a narrow, warm coastal plain rising to the Coast Range, deserts in the south, the fertile central valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada in the east; major industries include the growing of citrus fruits and grapes, fishing, oil production, electronics, information technology, and films. Capital: Sacramento. Pop: 35 484 453 (2003 est). Area: 411 015 sq km (158 693 sq miles) AbbreviationCal.Calif.with zip codeCA
2. Gulf of California
   an arm of the Pacific Ocean, between Sonora and Lower California

California

1. State in the Far West bordered by Oregon to the north; Nevada and Arizona to the east; Baja California, Mexico , to the south; and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its capital is Sacramento , and its largest city is Los Angeles .

Notes

The state is famous for all the fads and ideas that originate there, many of which are considered strange or eccentric.

California is the most populous state. It is known for its earthquakes , high-tech (see also high-tech ) industries ( see Silicon Valley ), and agriculture.

During the California gold rush tens of thousands of people poured into California in search of gold. It is sometimes called the “Golden State.” ( See forty-niners .)

Other Words From

• Cali·fornian adjective noun

Example Sentences

It is not clear whether the county intends to appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court, and the county deferred comment to the Sheriff’s Department.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple appear to be calling rural England their new home, putting up their Montecito, California estate on the market.

From Salon

Northern California is being hit hard by the first major atmospheric river storm of the season, with rain totals expected to exceed 12 inches in some areas, bringing a chance for flooding and mudslides.

From Los Angeles Times

A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego has developed a new and improved wearable ultrasound patch for continuous and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring.

From Science Daily

However, living in New York was hard, and she missed gardening and the easy access to nature in California.

From Los Angeles Times