tropical

UK: ˈtrɒpɪk(ə)l | US: ˈtrɑːpɪk(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. relating to or situated in the tropics (region near the equator)

  2. adj. characterized by hot and humid weather

  3. adj. (figurative) intensely lively or passionate

Structure
tropic <turn (from Greek *tropikos* "of the solstice") + al<adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "tropical" traces back to Greek tropikos, derived from tropē ("a turning"), referring to the turning points of the sun at the solstices (when the sun appears to "turn back" at the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn). Over time, it narrowed to describe the warm regions between these latitudes. The suffix -al (Latin -alis) standardizes it as an adjective. The modern sense of "hot and humid" reflects the climate of these zones, while figurative uses ("tropical enthusiasm") borrow the intensity associated with the tropics.

Examples

  1. The island has a lush tropical rainforest.

  2. They escaped the winter by vacationing in a tropical paradise.

  3. Tropical storms often form over warm ocean waters.

  4. Her laughter was as vibrant as tropical colors.

  5. Scientists study tropical diseases like malaria in equatorial regions.