What does subtropic mean?
Subtropic is an adjective describing the subtropics: the broad climatic and geographic zones adjacent to the tropics, where temperatures remain relatively warm but seasonal variation is more pronounced than near the equator. The term is especially relevant in geography, climatology, ecology, and botany, as when discussing subtropic vegetation, rainfall, or storms. It closely resembles, and is sometimes used interchangeably with, the more familiar adjective subtropical, although subtropic is comparatively uncommon in general writing. The word is also associated with the plural noun subtropics, which names the regions outside the tropical zone. Together, these terms distinguish lands with warm, often dry or seasonally wet climates from both the consistently humid equatorial belt and the cooler temperate regions farther poleward.
adjectiveRelating to the subtropics, the regions immediately outside the tropics or lying within their temperate margins.
- Relating to or characteristic of the subtropics, especially their climate, vegetation, or geographic location.
"The island has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and long, hot summers."
"Subtropic storms can bring heavy rain to coastal regions well outside the equatorial zone."
"Many palms are native to subtropic and tropical climates."
Subtropic describes the warm fringe where the tropics begin to give way to temperate zones.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subtropic come from?
Subtropic combines the Latin prefix sub-, meaning “under” or “below,” with tropic. The latter comes through Latin from Greek tropikos, associated with tropos, a turning or change, originally referring to the turning point of the sun and hence the tropics. The combined word developed in English in the context of geography and climatology to denote regions near, but not within, the tropical zone.
Related word forms
How subtropic is actually used
Subtropic is less common than subtropical and is most often found in geographic, botanical, or climatic descriptions. The plural noun subtropics refers to the geographic regions beyond the tropics.
Easily confused with subtropic
Subtropic and subtropical are close synonyms; subtropic is less common and is especially used in geographic and climatic contexts.