baroclinic

adjective

bar·​o·​clin·​ic
¦ber-ə-¦kli-nik,
¦ba-rə-
: relating to a state of a fluid (such as the atmosphere) in which surfaces of constant pressure intersect those of constant density compare barotropic
baroclinically
¦ber-ə-¦kli-ni-k(ə-)lē
¦ba-rə-
adverb
One argument is that the Hadley cell extent is determined by the latitude at which the mean flow within it becomes baroclinically unstable … Richard Seager et al., Journal of Climate, 1 Sept. 2010

Word History

Etymology

baro- + -clinic

Note: See note at barotropic

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baroclinic was in 1921

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Dictionary Entries Near baroclinic

Cite this Entry

“Baroclinic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baroclinic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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