tropical etymology

Etymology

The word "tropical" comes from the Greek word "tropos," which means "turning." It was originally used to describe the sun's path as it moved between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

Meaning

The term "tropical" now has several meanings:

• Geographical:

  • Tropics: The region of the Earth between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where the sun's rays can reach directly overhead at least once a year.
  • Tropical climate: A warm, humid climate found in the tropics, characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall.
  • Tropical plants and animals: Species adapted to the tropics, often exhibiting bright colors, large leaves, and diverse forms.

• Figurative:

  • Exotic or foreign: Something originating from or characteristic of the tropics.
  • Lush or vibrant: Having characteristics associated with the tropics, such as abundant growth, rich colors, or lively activity.

Origin

The concept of the tropics originated in ancient Greece. The Greeks observed that the sun's path appeared to turn at the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This gave rise to the term "tropos," which was later adopted into Latin as "tropicus."

In the 16th century, European explorers used the term "tropical" to describe the regions they encountered near the equator. These regions were characterized by a warm, humid climate and diverse flora and fauna.

Today, the term "tropical" continues to be used in both geographical and figurative contexts, referring to the unique characteristics associated with the tropical regions of the world.

tropical relate terms

• tropic

  Etymology The word tropic comes from the Greek word tropos which means a turn Th

• subtropical

  Etymology The word subtropical derives from two Latin roots sub meaning below o

• tropical

  Etymology The word tropical comes from the Greek word tropos which means turning

• plantation

  Etymology Old French plantation from Latin plantātiō from plantāre to plant

• caiman

  Etymology The word caiman comes from the Tupi language spoken by indigenous peoples in

• plantain

  Etymology The word plantain derives from the Latin word Plantago which is the genus

• sarsaparilla

  Etymology Sarsaparilla derives from the Spanish word zarzaparrilla which in turn comes

• dorado

  Etymology Spanish meaning golden Meaning Fish with a golden coloration Origin

• clove

  Etymology The word clove comes from the Old French word clove or clou which means

• tornado

  Etymology and Meaning The word tornado originates from the Spanish phrase tronada w

• adequate

  Etymology Latin adaequatus meaning equal to or sufficient From the verb adaequ

• maroon

  Etymology The word maroon has multiple etymological origins Spanish cimarrón m

• body

  Etymology Old English bod Proto Germanic bodaz Proto Indo European bʰedʰ Mean