antitrades: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “antitrades” mean?
Persistent winds that blow in the opposite direction to the trade winds, typically found in the upper atmosphere above the trade‑wind belt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Persistent winds that blow in the opposite direction to the trade winds, typically found in the upper atmosphere above the trade‑wind belt.
In meteorology, the antitrades are the return, westerly winds aloft that complete the atmospheric circulation cell in the tropics and subtropics, carrying air poleward after it has risen near the equator.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions (e.g., 'metre' vs. 'meter' in related texts) may apply in surrounding context.
Connotations
Purely technical, without regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to specialised scientific discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “antitrades” in a Sentence
The + antitrades + verb (blow, flow, carry)antitrades + prepositional phrase (aloft, in the upper atmosphere)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in meteorology, physical geography, and climatology textbooks and papers to describe atmospheric circulation.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in technical descriptions of tropical and subtropical wind patterns, especially in relation to the Hadley cell.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antitrades”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antitrades”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antitrades”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'an antitrade').
- Confusing it with surface‑wind patterns.
- Misspelling as 'anti‑trades' (hyphenated).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The antitrades are a specific, persistent component of the tropical circulation (Hadley cell), while jet streams are faster, narrower currents at higher latitudes and altitudes.
Typically, no. They are upper‑atmosphere winds, generally found at altitudes of several kilometres above the surface trade winds.
It is a plural noun (like 'trades'). One would refer to 'the antitrades are' or 'the antitrades blow'.
Because they blow in the opposite direction (anti‑) to the classic trade winds (trades) found at the surface beneath them.
Persistent winds that blow in the opposite direction to the trade winds, typically found in the upper atmosphere above the trade‑wind belt.
Antitrades is usually technical/scientific in register.
Antitrades: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæntɪˌtreɪdz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæntiˌtreɪdz/ˌˈæntaɪˌtreɪdz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANTI‑TRADES: think of winds that are ANTI (against) the usual TRADE winds, blowing the opposite way high up.
Conceptual Metaphor
None in common use.
Practice
Quiz
What are the antitrades?