Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Located in the south or characteristic of southern people or places: Relating to or situated in the south, especially of a country or region. Often used to describe the southern part of Europe.
   • Of or relating to a meridian: Pertaining to a meridian line, which is an imaginary great circle on the Earth's surface passing through the North and South Poles, or, more generally, relating to lines of longitude.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Geographical):
  • The climate in the meridional regions of France is typically warmer.
  • She studied the unique meridional dialects of Italy.
• Adjective (Relating to a Meridian):
  • The map showed meridional lines of longitude.
  • The telescope's alignment required precise meridional adjustments.

Advanced Usage

• In Meteorology/Oceanography: Used to describe atmospheric or oceanic flow patterns that are oriented along a north-south (meridional) axis, as opposed to a west-east (zonal) axis.
  • A strong meridional flow brought cold air from the Arctic deep into the southern United States.
• In Anatomy/Biology: Can describe structures oriented in a longitudinal direction.
  • The meridional plane of the embryo divides it into left and right halves.

Variants and Related Words

• Meridian (n): A great circle of the earth passing through the poles; any line of longitude; the highest point or period of development.
  • The prime meridian runs through Greenwich, England.
• Meridionally (adv): In a meridional direction or manner.
  • The mountain range runs meridionally, from north to south.

Synonyms

• Southern: Situated in or facing the south.
• Austral: (Technical/poetic) Relating to the south or southern regions.
• Longitudinal: Running lengthwise, especially along a meridian.

Antonyms

• Septentrional: (Formal) Relating to the north; northern.
• Boreal: Of the north or northern regions.
• Zonal: Relating to or arranged in zones, especially of latitude (east-west orientation).

Related Phrases/Idioms

(Note: "Meridional" is a technical/scientific term and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is primarily descriptive.) - Meridional circulation: A term in earth sciences for the large-scale motion of air or water in a north-south direction. - Meridional section: A cut or section made along a longitudinal plane.

Adjective

1. located in the south or characteristic of southern people or places
2. of or relating to a meridian