Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - climate

 noun  Etymology: Middle English climat, from Middle French, from Late Latin climat-, clima, from Greek klimat-, klima inclination, latitude, ~, from klinein to lean — more at lean  Date: 14th century  1. a region of the earth having specified climatic conditions  2.  a. the average course or condition of the weather at a place usually over a period of years as exhibited by temperature, wind velocity, and precipitation  b. the prevailing set of conditions (as of temperature and humidity) indoors a ~-controlled office  3. the prevailing influence or environmental conditions characterizing a group or period ; atmosphere a ~ of fear