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

Should we be successful, and be able to complete this exceedingly important meridional traverse through an unknown part of Tibet?

From Project Gutenberg

The partiality of the meridional for unencumbered interiors had something to do with making the procession path thirty feet wide.

From Project Gutenberg

Ethiopia is departed in two principal parts, and that is the East part and the Meridional part.

From Project Gutenberg

For the resulting vision of herself in the splendour of her beauty, she sat waiting the meridional sun.

From Project Gutenberg

A more direct effect of terrestrial rotation has been claimed in the case of rivers which flow in a meridional direction.

From Project Gutenberg