meteorology
MEE-tee-uh-ROL-uh-jee
/ˌmiː.ti.əˈrɒl.ə.dʒi/
The branch of science concerned with the processes and phenomena of the atmosphere, especially as a means of forecasting weather.
Focuses on short-term atmospheric dynamics and weather forecasting, as distinct from long-term climatology.
The story behind the word. Aristotle wrote a treatise titled 'Meteorologica' around 350 BCE, analyzing everything seen in the sky—clouds, rain, rainbows, comets, and meteors. He called these sky objects 'meteora' ('things raised up'). Over time, astronomy claimed meteors, leaving atmospheric phenomena to meteorology.
Word relationships
- atmospheric science: Atmospheric science is a broader field including atmospheric chemistry and physics, while meteorology emphasizes weather forecasting.
Commonly confused with
- climatology: Meteorology analyzes short-term atmospheric weather patterns, while climatology studies multi-decade weather averages.
Word family
- meteorologist (noun): A specialist or expert in the study of meteorology.
- meteorological (adjective): Pertaining to meteorology or atmospheric weather conditions.
Collocations
- satellite meteorology
- dynamic meteorology
- synoptic meteorology
- department of meteorology
Example sentences
- "Modern meteorology relies on supercomputers, atmospheric satellites, and Doppler radar to forecast severe storms." Scientific education
- "Pilots undergo training in basic meteorology to recognize atmospheric hazards such as severe wind shear." Aviation safety
Memory hook
METEOROLOGY = study of atmospheric high-up (METEOR) stuff. METEOROLOGY = Sky observation and weather science.
When not to use
Do not confuse meteorology (weather science) with meteors (astronomy / shooting stars).
Fun facts
- The world's oldest continuously operating meteorological observatory was established at Hohenpeißenberg in Germany in 1781.
Related words
Explore more words
forecast, Climate Change, troposphere, hydrology, observation, epidemiology
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