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torrid zone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ˌtɒr.ɪd ˈzəʊn/US/ˌtɔːr.ɪd ˈzoʊn/

Formal, Literary, Archaic

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Quick answer

What does “torrid zone” mean?

the region of the Earth between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, characterised by a hot climate.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

the region of the Earth between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, characterised by a hot climate.

Often used as a literary or dated term for the tropics, evoking images of intense heat and passion.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning. The term is equally archaic/formal in both varieties.

Connotations

Slightly more likely to be encountered in older British literary or historical texts.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in modern use in both dialects. 'The tropics' is the universal modern term.

Grammar

How to Use “torrid zone” in a Sentence

The [torrid zone] [verb: extends, lies, is located].

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
thewithin theof the
medium
sun-scorchedvastequatorial
weak
humidancientunforgiving

Examples

Examples of “torrid zone” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • [Not applicable. The term is a noun phrase.]

American English

  • [Not applicable. The term is a noun phrase.]

adverb

British English

  • [Not applicable.]

American English

  • [Not applicable.]

adjective

British English

  • [Not applicable as an adjective. 'Torrid' is a separate adjective.]

American English

  • [Not applicable as an adjective. 'Torrid' is a separate adjective.]

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Only in historical geographical texts or discussions of classical/renaissance geography.

Everyday

Not used.

Technical

Obsolete in modern meteorology and geography. 'Tropics' is the technical term.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “torrid zone”

Strong

the tropics

Neutral

the tropicstropical zone

Weak

the equatorial beltthe hot belt

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “torrid zone”

the frigid zonethe polar regionsthe arcticthe antarctic

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “torrid zone”

  • Confusing 'torrid' with 'torpid' (sluggish).
  • Using it in modern contexts where 'the tropics' is appropriate.
  • Misspelling as 'torbid zone'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is an archaic or historical term. The modern term is 'the tropics' or 'tropical zone'.

'Torrid' means very hot and dry. It can also describe a period or relationship full of strong, difficult emotions.

Yes, in older geographical models, the world was divided into the torrid zone (hot), two temperate zones, and two frigid zones (cold) around the poles.

Only if you are deliberately using archaic language or discussing historical geography. Otherwise, use 'the tropics'.

the region of the Earth between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, characterised by a hot climate.

Torrid zone is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.

Torrid zone: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɒr.ɪd ˈzəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɔːr.ɪd ˈzoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “[No common idioms. Term itself is archaic.]”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think TORRID = extremely hot + ZONE = area. The hot area of the Earth.

Conceptual Metaphor

HEAT IS INTENSITY (in its rare metaphorical use: 'a torrid zone of passion').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
On old maps, the area between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn was often labelled the .
Multiple Choice

'Torrid zone' is a modern synonym for which common geographical term?

torrid zone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore