Definition of "synoptic" [syn•op•tic]

• Of or constituting a synopsis; presenting a summary of the principal parts or a general view of the whole. (adjective)
• Taking the same point of view. (adjective)
• Relating to or being the first three gospels of the New Testament, which share content, style, and order of events and which differ largely from John. (adjective)
• Meteorology Of or relating to data obtained nearly simultaneously over a large area of the atmosphere. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "On the one hand, many AGW skeptics are told not to confuse short term synoptic weather patterns with long term climate trends; on the other hand, when short term climate trends coincide with AGW theories they immediatly make headline news see the 2005 Hurricane Season as a prime example."
• "The first three gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are commonly referred to as the synoptic gospels."
• "The Gospels are subdivided into two groups, those which are commonly called synoptic (Matthew,"