La Niña

/lə ˈniːnjə/
nounIntermediate
technical

A climate pattern characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, often leading to significant weather changes globally.

Scientists predict that La Niña will bring a colder winter to North America this year.

Experts forecast that this climate event will cause lower temperatures in North America.

💡

La Niña is the opposite of El Niño, another major climate phenomenon.

Collocations

La Niña eventa specific occurrence of the La Niña climate patternLa Niña conditionsthe weather patterns associated with La Niña

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

El Niñophrase
the opposite climate phenomenon with warmer ocean temperatures

💡Pro Tip

Climate Impact

La Niña can cause droughts in some regions while bringing heavy rains to others.

Gold Rule

Technical Term

La Niña is a scientific term, so use it in formal or technical discussions about weather.

📖Word Origin

From Spanish, meaning 'the little girl,' possibly named in contrast to El Niño ('the little boy').

📝Usage Notes

La Niña is a technical term in climatology but is also discussed in general weather forecasts.

Word Breakdown

La
the (definite article in Spanish)
prefix
+
Niña
girl (Spanish)
root
English Dictionary