Climate \Cli"mate\, n. [F. climat, L. clima, -atis, fr. Gr. ?,
?, slope, the supposed slope of the earth (from the equator
toward the pole), hence a region or zone of the earth, fr. ?
to slope, incline, akin to E. lean, v. i. See Lean, v. i.,
and cf. Clime.]
1. (Anc. Geog.) One of thirty regions or zones, parallel to
the equator, into which the surface of the earth from the
equator to the pole was divided, according to the
successive increase of the length of the midsummer day.
2. The condition of a place in relation to various phenomena
of the atmosphere, as temperature, moisture, etc.,
especially as they affect animal or vegetable life.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) |