Northerlies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of wind that originates from the northern region, often influencing weather patterns
2. A general term for breezes characterized by their northern direction and effects on climate
3. Referring to winds blowing from a northern compass point, typically linked to cooler air masses and changes in temperature

Etymology: "Northerlies" is simply the plural of "northerly," so the real story belongs to its base word. "Northerly" is formed from "norther," a noun for a cold wind blowing from the north, with the common adjective-forming suffix "-ly" added to it. The pattern is ordinary English: "norther" names the wind itself, and "-ly" turns that into a word describing something coming from, or having the character of, that direction. Plural forms like "northerlies" are used when speaking of several such winds or breezes at once, most often in weather reports and maritime talk.