california Definition

state of the southwestern U.S. on the Pacific, the nation's most populous state; capital Sacramento area 158,706 square miles (411,048 square kilometers), population 37,253,956

a large nearly extinct vulture (Gymnogyps californianus) found most recently in the mountains of southern California that is related to the condor of South America

an evergreen Pacific coast tree (Umbellularia californica) of the laurel family with small umbellate flowers

any of a genus (Eschscholzia) of herbs of the poppy family; especially : one (E. californica) widely cultivated for its usually yellow or orange flowers

a type of sushi roll containing avocado, cucumber, and cooked crabmeat or imitation crabmeat with a wrapping of seaweed and rice

a small brown sea lion (Zalophus californianus) that occurs especially along the Pacific coast of North America from Vancouver Island to Baja California and the Gulf of California and in the Galapagos Islands and that is the seal most often trained to perform in circuses

arm of the Pacific between Baja California and the states of Sonora and Sinaloa in northwestern Mexico

system of structures conveying water for irrigation in central California from the delta of the Sacramento River south to the valley of the San Joaquin River

a cool ocean current in the Pacific flowing south off the western coast of North America

former Spanish and Mexican province (1772—1848) comprising the present state of California —a name chiefly used to differentiate it from Baja California