1. (n.)California a state in the W United States, on the Pacificcoast. 33,871,648; 158,693 sq. mi. (411,015 sq. km).
2. California Gulf of, an arm of the Pacific Ocean, extending NW between the coast of W Mexico and the peninsula of Baja California. ab. 750 mi. (1207 km) long; 62,600 sq. mi. (162,100 sq. km).
Etymology: (1825–35)
Definition of 'California'
Princeton's WordNet
1. (noun)California, Golden State, CA, Calif. a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes
Definitions of 'California'
The Nuttall Encyclopedia
1. California the most south-westerly State in the American Union; occupies the Pacificseaboard between Oregon and Mexico, and is bounded landward by Nevada and Arizona. It is the second largest State, larger by a quarter than the United Kingdom. In the N. the rainfall is excessive, and winters severe; in the S. there is little rain, and a delightful climate. Wheat is the most important product; the grape and all manner of fruits grow luxuriantly. Mineralwealth is great: it is the foremost State for gold and quicksilver; lead, silver, copper, iron, sulphur, coal, and many other minerals abound. The industries include brandy and sugar manufactures, silk-growing, shipbuilding, and fishing. All products are exported, eastward by the great Central, Union, and Southern Pacific railroads; and seaward, the chiefportbeing San Francisco, the largest city, as Sacramento is the capital of the State. The Yosemite Valley, in the Sierra Nevada, through which falls the Merced River, is the most wonderful gorge in the world. Captured from Mexico in 1847, the discovery of gold next year raised great excitement, and brought thousands of adventurers from all over the world. Constituted a State in 1850, the originallawlessness gradually gave way to regular administration, and progress has since been steady and rapid.
Definitions of California 
