calm belt; doldrums
Meteorological term for a region near the equator with little wind, especially the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Also used figuratively for a stagnant situation.
The sailing ship entered the doldrums and became becalmed.
The negotiations are in a dead calm, making no progress.
doldrums; equatorial calms
Compound of 無風 (no wind) + 帯 (belt, zone).