What does meteorologic mean?
“Meteorologic” is an adjective relating to meteorology, the scientific study of the atmosphere and weather. It can describe conditions, data, observations, phenomena, or research connected with atmospheric processes. The word is accurate but comparatively rare, and it is generally more formal than the familiar “meteorological,” which is the standard choice in most contemporary writing. “Meteorologic” may consequently appear in scholarly, historical, technical, or deliberately elevated prose. Its use is not restricted to Britain or the United States, although its frequency is relatively low in both varieties of English. The distinction from the noun “meteorology” is grammatical: the adjective qualifies a noun, while the noun names the discipline itself. For broad modern usage, “meteorological” will usually sound more natural, but “meteorologic” remains a useful and well-formed member of the vocabulary of weather science.
adjectiveRelating to meteorology or the scientific study of the atmosphere and weather. It is a comparatively rare, formal alternative to the more common adjective “meteorological.”
- Relating to meteorology, the atmosphere, or the scientific study of weather and atmospheric phenomena.
"The researchers analysed the meteorologic conditions prevailing across the region."
"Meteorologic models were used to predict the storm's path."
"Her lecture focused on the climatic effects of long-term meteorologic patterns."
“Meteorologic” belongs to the family of words that helped transform the study of the sky from folklore into a science.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does meteorologic come from?
The word belongs to a learned Greek and Latin vocabulary concerned with the study of atmospheric or celestial phenomena. Its elements ultimately relate to Greek meteōros, meaning “things raised high,” an idea developed in the compound meteōrologia, “the study of things raised high.” English developed the family through Latin and French, eventually producing “meteorology,” “meteorologist,” and the common adjective “meteorological”; “meteorologic” preserves the more compact Greek-style formation.
How meteorologic is actually used
This is a formal, relatively uncommon adjective. In ordinary academic and scientific prose, “meteorological” is normally preferred.
Easily confused with meteorologic
Both words mean relating to meteorology, but “meteorological” is the standard, much more common adjective, while “meteorologic” is relatively rare and formal.
“Meteorologic” is an adjective that describes something, whereas “meteorology” is the noun naming the scientific study of the atmosphere and weather.