calms

Calms is the plural of calm and can refer to several distinct concepts depending on context. In psychology and everyday language, calms describe states of tranquillity and composure in a person or group. In meteorology and navigation, calms describe weather conditions with little or no wind and related effects on travel.

In meteorology, a calm is an atmospheric state defined by wind speeds that are negligible, commonly less than 1 knot. Calms can occur within high-pressure systems, during night hours, or in tropical regions where air movement stagnates. The plural calms is used when speaking of multiple such episodes or regions.

In nautical contexts, calms historically affected voyage times, requiring patience or reliance on other wind conditions or sails; tales of sailors encountering calms highlight the practical impact of windless periods.

In psychology and everyday usage, calmness refers to internal regulation and reduced arousal, often sought through breathing, meditation, or environmental changes.

The word also appears in literature and art as a descriptor of tranquil settings, tones of contentment, or serene atmospheres. See also: calm, tranquility, stillness.