aestival In the early summer. The term is used with reference to the six-part division of the year used by some ecologists, especially in relation to the study of terrestrial and freshwater communities. Compare AUTUMNAL; HIBERNAL; PREVERNAL; SEROTINAL; and VERNAL.

aestival In the early summer. The term is used with reference to the six-part division of the year used by ecologists, especially in relation to the study of terrestrial and freshwater communities. Compare AUTUMNAL; HIBERNAL; PREVERNAL; SEROTINAL; VERNAL.

aestival pert. to the summer. XIV. Also, as in early use, estival — (O)F. estival — L. æstīvālis, f. æstīvus, f. æstus heat; see -IVE, -AL1.

aestival In the early summer. The term is used with reference to the six-part division of the year used by ecologists, especially in relation to the study of terrestrial and freshwater communities. The full series comprises: prevernal (in early spring); vernal (in late spring); aestival; serotinal (in late summer); autumnal (in the autumn); and hibernal (in the winter).