south·west (south-wĕst', sou-wĕst')
n.

1. (Abbr. SW) The direction or point on the mariner's compass halfway between due south and due west, or 135° west of due north.
2. An area or region lying in the southwest.
3. Southwest A region of the southwest United States generally including New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, California, and Nevada and sometimes Utah and Colorado.

adj.

1. To, toward, of, facing, or in the southwest.
2. Originating in or coming from the southwest: a southwest wind.

adv.
In, from, or toward the southwest.

southwestern south·west'ern adj.

---

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

---