climate /klī″mit/ [Gk, klima, inclination] , 1. a composite of the prevailing weather conditions that characterize any particular geographic region, including air pressure, temperature, precipitation, sunshine, and humidity. Because these factors affect health, they must be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of certain illnesses, especially those affecting respiration. 2. the general condition surrounding something, as in a climate of goodwill. −climatic, adj.
