Main Entry:

cli·mate

Pronunciation:

\ˈklī-mət\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English climat, from Middle French, from Late Latin climat-, clima, from Greek klimat-, klima inclination, latitude, climate, from klinein to lean — more at lean

Date:

14th century

1: a region of the earth having specified climatic conditions2 a: the average course or condition of the weather at a place usually over a period of years as exhibited by temperature, wind velocity, and precipitation b: the prevailing set of conditions (as of temperature and humidity) indoors <a climate-controlled office>3: the prevailing influence or environmental conditions characterizing a group or period : atmosphere <a climate of fear>