Definition of: season

(sē′zən) noun
1. A division of the year as determined by the earth's position with respect to the sun, and as marked by the temperature, moisture, vegetation, etc. The ancient Greeks had three seasons, spring, summer, and winter (mentioned by Homer and Hesiod); autumn appears first in Alcman: these four seasons are still used.
2. A period of time.
3. Any of the periods into which the Christian year is divided.
4. A period of special activity: usually with the definite article: the opera or hunting season.
5. A fit or suitable time.
6. That which imparts relish; seasoning. See synonyms under OPPORTUNITY, TIME.
—in season
1. In condition and obtainable for use: Clams are in season during the summer.
2. In good or sufficient time; opportunely.
3. To be killed or taken by permission of the law.
4. Ready to mate or breed: said of animals.
—v.t.
1. To increase the flavor or zest of (food), as by adding spices, etc.
2. To add zest or piquancy to.
3. To render more suitable for use, especially by drying or hardening, as timber.
4. To make accustomed or inured; harden: to season troops by strict discipline.
5. To mitigate or soften; moderate.
—v.i.
6. To become seasoned. [<OF seson <LL satio, -onis sowing time <L, a sowing <satus, pp. of serere sow]
—sea′son·er noun