meridional

1 of 2

adjective

me·​rid·​i·​o·​nal mə-ˈri-dē-ə-nᵊl 

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

mə-ˈri-dē-ə-nᵊl-ē 

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

Adjective

When the winds cross the latitude lines at a sharp angle, the wind pattern is termed meridional. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for meridional

• chloramphenicol
• dithiothreitol
• geospatial
• isopropanol
• paracetamol
• peroxisomal
• visuospatial
• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol

Medical Definition

meridional

adjective

me·​rid·​i·​o·​nal mə-ˈrid-ē-ən-ᵊl 

: 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