meridional

[ muh-rid-ee-uh-nl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a meridian.
2. characteristic of the south or of people inhabiting the south, especially of France.
3. southern; southerly.

noun

1. an inhabitant of the south, especially the south of France.

meridional

/ məˈrɪdɪənəl /

adjective

1. along, relating to, or resembling a meridian
2. characteristic of or located in the south, esp of Europe

noun

1. an inhabitant of the south, esp of France

meridional

/ mə-rĭd′ē-ə-nəl /

1. Of or relating to meridians or a meridian.

Derived Forms

• meˈridionally, adverb

Other Words From

• me·ridi·o·nal·ly adverb
• transme·ridi·o·nal adjective
• transme·ridi·o·nal·ly adverb
• unme·ridi·o·nal adjective
• unme·ridi·o·nal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of meridional¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin merīdiōnālis “southern,” modeled on septentriōnālis “northern.” See meridian, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of meridional¹

C14: from Late Latin merīdiōnālis southern; see meridian ; for form, compare septentriōnālis septentrional

Example Sentences

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is one of the most important fundamental features of the climate system.

From Science Daily

One of these is the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, or AMOC—the ocean conveyor belt.

From Scientific American

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is a vital system of ocean currents that circulates water throughout the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

From Seattle Times

This is how scientists figured out what is called the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, or "AMOC" for short.

From Salon

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation — or "AMOC" for short — can be likened to a series of conveyor belts.

From Salon