temperature-humidity index

[ tem-per-uh-cher-hyoo-mid-i-tee in-deksor, often, -yoo-, -pruh-, -per-cher-, -choor ]

noun

, Meteorology.

1. a number representing an estimate of the potentially debilitating effect of temperature and relative humidity on humans and animals, especially livestock: computed essentially as a combination of dry-bulb temperature and wet-bulb temperature but formulaically specific to a given species, as heat-stress tolerances vary significantly from one species to another. : THI, T.H.I.

temperature-humidity index

noun

1. an index of the effect on human comfort of temperature and humidity levels, 65 being the highest comfortable level

Word History and Origins

Origin of temperature-humidity index¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

In truth, far smaller figures can overtax ordinary people, many of whom, after all, have trouble fathoming the weather service's temperature-humidity index.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Castle, with a high temperature-humidity index, comes to mind.

From Time Magazine Archive

Like a weather service temperature-humidity index, the Q.L.I. would take into account "air and water pollution, the unemployed and those on welfare, the adequacy of housing and medical care, the acres of accessible park land, crime and auto accidents, the years it takes to settle a lawsuit, the presence of minority group members in American institutions and American soldiers abroad."

From Time Magazine Archive