Katabatic definition
Of or relating to the downward flow of cold dense air.
A katabatic wind.
adjective
Moving downward.
adjective
Relating to wind currents that blow down a gradient, especially down the slopes of a mountain or glacier. When air comes in contact with the cool surface of a glacier or the upper regions of a mountain or slope, the air cools, becomes dense, and blows downward. Katabatic winds are usually cool and are especially common at night in polar regions.
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Alternative Forms
Alternative Form of katabatic -
catabatic
Origin of katabatic
- Greek katabatikos pertaining to descent from katabatos descending kata- cata- batos going gwā- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From the Ancient Greek κατάβασις (katábasis, “descent”)
From Wiktionary