The word "tropical" is spelled with three syllables, /ˈtrɒ.pɪ.kəl/, in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, /ˈtrɒ/, is pronounced as "traw" with a slight emphasis on the "r" sound. The second syllable, /pɪ/, sounds like "pee" with a very short "i" sound. The third syllable, /kəl/, is pronounced as "kull" with a light emphasis on the "l" sound. This word is commonly used to describe a region or climate that is hot and humid, with lush vegetation and a diverse range of animal species.
Tropical refers to anything related to or characteristic of the tropics, a geographical region situated near the equator and mainly encompassing areas between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. It pertains to the climate, flora, fauna, and general environment that are found within this belt.
In terms of climate, tropical regions experience high temperatures throughout the year, with minimal variations between seasons. They are also known for consistent rainfall, often resulting in lush vegetation due to the combination of warm temperatures and ample moisture.
Flora and fauna found in these areas are diverse and abundant, exhibiting unique characteristics adapted to the tropical climate. Dense rainforests, palm trees, orchids, and bamboo are some common examples of tropical plant life. Similarly, tropical wildlife often includes colorful insects, vibrant birds, exotic mammals such as monkeys and sloths, as well as reptiles like snakes and lizards.
Additionally, the term tropical is frequently associated with vacation destinations, resorts, and leisure activities located in these regions due to their scenic beauty, warm weather, and attractive beaches. Tourism flourishes in tropical areas, catering to visitors seeking relaxation, natural attractions, and recreational opportunities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking.
In summary, tropical describes the climatic, ecological, and geographic attributes of the tropical zone near the equator, highlighting its distinct environment, flora, fauna, and recreational appeal.
Figurative, as the use of a word.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "tropical" originated from the Late Latin word "tropicālis", which is derived from the Latin noun "tropicus". "Tropicus" ultimately traces back to the Ancient Greek word "tropikós", meaning "of or pertaining to the solstice". The Greek word is derived from the word "tropḗ", which means "turning" or "change of direction". The term "tropicus" was used to refer to the two points on the celestial sphere where the sun appeared to turn or change direction during the solstices. By extension, "tropicālis" in Late Latin referred to the region near the Equator, where the climate is characterized by warm temperatures and high biodiversity. Over time, this specific meaning of "tropical" in relation to climate and vegetation was adopted in English, and it continues to be used in this sense today.