How Do You Spell CANICULAR?

Pronunciation: [kanˈɪkjʊlə] (IPA)

Canicular, spelled with the letters 'c-a-n-i-c-u-l-a-r', refers to the period of time in late July and August when the Dog Star Sirius rises at the same time as the sun. The word comes from the Latin word 'canicula', meaning "little dog" and is pronounced kuh-nik-yuh-luhr (kəˈnɪkjʊlə(r)) in IPA phonetic transcription. While the spelling may seem confusing at first, knowing the origin and pronunciation of the word can help in understanding its spelling.

CANICULAR Meaning and Definition

1. Canicular is an adjective derived from the Latin word "canicula," which means "little dog" or "puppy." It is primarily used to refer to the period of time associated with the hot and humid summer season, typically characterized by extreme heat and oppressive weather conditions.

   More specifically, canicular relates to the Dog Days, a term originating from ancient Roman times to describe the period from early July to early September when the star Sirius, also known as the "Dog Star," rises and sets with the sun. During these days, the temperatures are usually at their highest, and the climate tends to be dry and sultry.

   In a broader sense, canicular can also describe anything related to or resembling a dog or the Dog Days. This includes describing weather conditions as canicular, indicating extreme heat and humidity levels. It may also be used to depict behavior or actions characterized by restlessness or irritability, drawing a parallel with the behavior of dogs tending to be more listless or lethargic during the hottest time of the year.

   Overall, canicular serves as a descriptive term often used to evoke the feeling of intense heat and discomfort associated with the peak of summer, particularly during the Dog Days. Whether referring to the weather, behavior, or even the time period itself, it conveys the idea of sweltering heat and the arid atmospheres that accompany this time of year.

Common Misspellings for CANICULAR

• xanicular
• vanicular
• fanicular
• danicular
• cznicular
• csnicular
• cwnicular
• cqnicular
• cabicular
• cajicular
• canucular
• canjcular
• cankcular
• canocular
• can9cular
• can8cular
• canixular
• canivular
• canifular

Etymology of CANICULAR

The word "canicular" originates from the Latin term "caniculāris", which is derived from "canicula". "Canicula" is the diminutive form of "canis", meaning "dog" in Latin. It is associated with the Latin name for the star Sirius, which is often referred to as the "Dog Star". In ancient times, the period known as "canicula" roughly spanned from late July to early September when Sirius rose and set alongside the sun, leading to the term "dog days" to describe this hot and oppressive time of the year. Thus, "canicular" has come to mean "relating to the dog days of summer" or "pertaining to heat".

Similar spelling words for CANICULAR

• canicula,
• canicule.