What do easterlies mean?

Easterlies mean winds blowing from the east.The name of the permanent winds comes from the direction of their origin. Polar easterlies are dry and cold prevailing winds that blow from the east. Trade winds are the powerful prevailing winds that blow from the east across the tropics. As these winds blow from east towards west. Hence they are called easterlies.

Further Reading:

• Types of Wind
• Forces Affecting Velocity And Direction Of Wind