meridional

1 of 2

adjective

me·​rid·​i·​o·​nal mə-ˈri-dē-ə-nᵊl How to pronounce meridional (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or situated in the south : southern
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of people living in the south especially of France
3
: of, relating to, or situated on or along a meridian
meridionally adverb

meridional

2 of 2

noun

: a native or inhabitant of southern Europe and especially southern France

Examples of meridional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
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. Time, 27 July 2023 In the movie, a freshwater pulse from the melting Arctic ice sheet shuts down the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). David Bressan, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2022 For 2000 years, vineyards have been exploited in the Bordeaux region thanks to its mild oceanic climate coupled with meridional shades. Cécilia Pelloux, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2021 Scientists say a long-term pattern of climate variability called the Atlantic meridional mode helps determine the level of hurricane activity. Henry Fountain, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2017
Noun
The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, called AMOC, is a key conveyor belt for ocean water and air, creating weather. CBS News, 12 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Middle French meridionel, from Late Latin meridionalis, from Latin meridies

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meridional was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near meridional

Cite this Entry

“Meridional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meridional. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

meridional

adjective
me·​rid·​i·​o·​nal mə-ˈrid-ē-ən-ᵊl How to pronounce meridional (audio)
: of, relating to, or situated on or along a meridian
meridional differences in the acuity of vision
meridional and circular fibers of the ciliary muscle
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