Arctic Oscillation

noun

climatology
: the recurring movement of high pressure systems in the atmosphere from the middle latitudes to the polar latitudes and back
abbreviation AO
compare north atlantic oscillation, southern oscillation

Examples of Arctic Oscillation 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.
This can happen when that Arctic Oscillation — a seesawing pattern of air pressure and atmospheric circulation anomalies — dips into what scientists call its negative mode. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2021 This relative coolness was partially the result of a strong negative Arctic Oscillation (AO) during the first half of the month. Todd Nelson, Star Tribune, 13 Mar. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Arctic Oscillation was in 1998

Dictionary Entries Near Arctic Oscillation

Cite this Entry

“Arctic Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Arctic%20Oscillation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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