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doldrums
7 dictionary results for: doldrums
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
dol·drums       [dohl-druhmz, dol-, dawl-] Pronunciation Key
–noun (used with a plural verb)
1.a state of inactivity or stagnation, as in business or art: August is a time of doldrums for many enterprises.
2.the doldrums,
a.a belt of calms and light baffling winds north of the equator between the northern and southern trade winds in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
b.the weather prevailing in this area.
3.a dull, listless, depressed mood; low spirits.

[Origin: 1795–1805; obs. dold stupid (see dolt) + -rum(s) (pl.) n. suffix (see tantrum)]

3. depression, gloom, melancholy, dejection.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
dol·drums       (dōl'drəmz', dôl'-, dŏl'-)  Pronunciation Key 
pl.n.   (used with a sing. or pl. verb)
    1. A period of stagnation or slump.
    2. A period of depression or unhappy listlessness.
    3. A region of the ocean near the equator, characterized by calms, light winds, or squalls.
    4. The weather conditions characteristic of these regions of the ocean.
    1. A region of the ocean near the equator, characterized by calms, light winds, or squalls.
    2. The weather conditions characteristic of these regions of the ocean.


[From obsolete doldrum, dullard, alteration (influenced by tantrum) of Middle English dold, past participle of dullen, to dull, from dul, dull; see dull.]

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
doldrums 
1811, from dulled, pp. of dullen, from O.E. dol "foolish, dull," ending perhaps patterned on tantrum.

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
doldrums

noun
1. a state of inactivity (in business or art etc); "economic growth of less than 1% per year is considered to be economic stagnation" [syn: stagnation
2. a belt of calms and light winds between the northern and southern trade winds of the Atlantic and Pacific 

The American Heritage Science Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
doldrums       (dōl'drəmz')  Pronunciation Key 
A region of the globe found over the oceans near the equator in the intertropical convergence zone and having weather characterized variously by calm air, light winds, or squalls and thunderstorms. Hurricanes originate in this region.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Doldrums

Dol"drums\, n. pl. [Cf. Gael. doltrum grief, vexation?] A part of the ocean near the equator, abounding in calms, squalls, and light, baffling winds, which sometimes prevent all progress for weeks; -- so called by sailors.

To be in the doldrums, to be in a state of listlessness ennui, or tedium.

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