austral

southern

adjective ow-STRAHL Rare

Origin: From Latin australis, from auster (south wind).

Usage Note

Austral describes anything belonging to the Southern Hemisphere or the far south. It is also the name of the former Argentine currency (el austral, 1985–1991) and appears in proper names such as Patagonia Austral. Unlike sur (south as a direction), austral carries a more formal or geographic register.

Examples

"Las ballenas migran hacia aguas australes."

Natural Translation

Whales migrate toward southern waters.

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