meridional

American  

[muh-rid-ee-uh-nl] / məˈrɪd i ə 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.

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noun

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

meridional British  

/ məˈrɪdɪənəl /

adjective

1. along, relating to, or resembling a meridian

2. characteristic of or located in the south, esp of Europe

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noun

1. an inhabitant of the south, esp of France

meridional Scientific  

/ mə-rĭd′ē-ə-nəl /

1. Of or relating to meridians or a meridian.

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Other Word Forms

• meridionally adverb
• transmeridional adjective
• transmeridionally adverb
• unmeridional adjective
• unmeridionally adverb

Etymology

Origin of meridional

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

Example Sentences

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

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2024

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

From Scientific American • Sep. 26, 2023

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 • Jul. 26, 2023

La Cruz del Sur, ese icono de la aventura y el romance, se alzaba inconfundible sobre el horizonte meridional.

From New York Times • Apr. 19, 2023

Especially important was my insistence that the meridional reflection at 3.4 A was much stronger than any other reflection.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson