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n. 1. The state of the atmosphere at a given time and place, with respect to variables such as temperature, moisture, wind velocity, and barometric pressure. 2. a. Adverse or destructive atmospheric conditions, such as high winds or heavy rain: encountered weather five miles out to sea. b. The unpleasant or destructive effects of such atmospheric conditions: protected the house from the weather. 3. weathers Changes of fortune: had known him in many weathers. v. weath·ered, weath·er·ing, weath·ers v.tr. 1. To expose to the action of the elements, as for drying, seasoning, or coloring. 2. To discolor, disintegrate, wear, or otherwise affect adversely by exposure. 3. To come through (something) safely; survive: weather a crisis. 4. To slope (a roof, for example) so as to shed water. 5. Nautical a. To pass to windward of (a natural feature) despite adverse weather: weathered Cape Horn in a gale. b. To gain an advantageous position upwind of (another vessel), as in a race or naval battle. v.intr. 1. To show the effects, such as discoloration, of exposure to the elements: The walls of the barn had weathered. 2. To withstand the effects of weather: a house paint that weathers well. adj. Phrasal Verb: 1. Nautical Of or relating to the windward side of a ship; windward. 2. Relating to or used in weather forecasting: a weather plane. weather in Idioms: To experience or cause to experience weather conditions that prevent movement: The squadron is weathered in because of dense fog. Such a storm will weather the fleet in. make heavy weather of To exaggerate the difficulty of something to be done. under the weather 1. Somewhat indisposed; slightly ill. 2. Slang a. Intoxicated; drunk. b. Suffering from a hangover. [Middle English weder, wether, from Old English weder; see wē- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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