Meridional - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

Meridional describes something related to a meridian, which is an imaginary line running from north to south on the Earth's surface. It's like a slice of an orange running from the stem to the bottom. 'Meridional' can also mean 'southern,' especially in older usage. Think of it as a more technical or historical way to say 'southern.' Unlike simply saying 'south,' 'meridional' implies a connection to geographic measurement and mapping. It’s precise and conveys a sense of scientific accuracy.

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'meridies,' meaning 'midday' or 'south.' This is because at midday, the sun crosses the meridian, reaching its highest point in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere. 'Meridies' is also the root of words like 'a.m.' (ante meridiem, before midday) and 'p.m.' (post meridiem, after midday). The word has ties to both time and location.

Related Words

Examples

• "The meridional winds brought warm air from the south."
• "The telescope was aligned along the meridional plane."
• "Meridional climate patterns influence agriculture in the region."
• "The expedition followed a meridional route."

Encouragement

Impress your geography teacher by using 'meridional' in your next project. It’s a sophisticated way to talk about location and direction. You'll sound like a true cartographer! 🤓🌍

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