IPA: /ˈɛəriəl/
KK: /ˈɛrɪəl/
Relating to a specific area or region.
The areal distribution of the species was studied by the researchers.
The word 'areal' is derived from the Latin 'area' (meaning open space or a level piece of ground) combined with the suffix '-al' (meaning pertaining to). Thus, 'areal' refers to something that pertains to or is related to an area or space.
Think of 'area' as an open space, and remember that 'areal' means something related to that space.