Relating to or characteristic of the tropics; having a hot, humid climate. Describing regions near the equator between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.
From Greek 'tropikos' meaning of or pertaining to a turn, from 'tropos' (a turn). Originally referred to the celestial points where the sun 'turns' back at the solstices, marking the tropical boundaries.
The word 'tropical' literally means 'turning place' because the tropics mark where the sun appears to turn back during its annual journey. Tropical regions experience remarkably consistent day length year-round, with only about an hour's difference between longest and shortest days.
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