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hurricane

/ˈhʌr.ɪ.keɪn/
noun★Intermediate💡 a severe tropical storm with strong winds

“The hurricane caused widespread damage along the coast.”

A powerful hurricane destroyed many buildings and infrastructure.

technical

a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of at least 74 mph (119 km/h)

Meteorologists track hurricanes using satellite imagery and weather models.

Scientists use advanced technology to monitor and predict hurricane paths.

💡

Hurricanes are classified by intensity using the Saffir-Simpson scale.

general

a powerful and destructive storm that forms over warm ocean waters

Residents boarded up their windows as the hurricane approached.

People prepared their homes to protect against the storm's impact.

💡

Hurricanes are most common in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Collocations

hurricane seasonthe period of the year when hurricanes are most likely to occurhurricane warningan official alert that a hurricane is expected to make landfallhurricane-force windswinds as strong as those in a hurricane

Synonyms

tropical cyclonetyphooncyclone

Antonyms

calmstillgentle breeze

Related Phrases

eye of the hurricanephrase
the calm center of a hurricane
hurricane partyphrase
a gathering held during a hurricane, often with a sense of adventure or defiance

💡Pro Tip

Hurricane Safety

Stay indoors, avoid windows, and follow local emergency instructions during a hurricane.

⚡Gold Rule

Naming Conventions

Hurricanes are named alphabetically from a predetermined list to avoid confusion during a storm season.

📖Word Origin

From Spanish 'huracán,' derived from the Taíno word 'hurakán,' meaning 'god of evil' or 'storm god.'

📝Usage Notes

In the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, the term 'hurricane' is used. In the Northwest Pacific, it is called a 'typhoon,' and in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, it is called a 'cyclone.'

Word Breakdown

hur
possibly related to 'Huracán,' the Taíno storm god
root
+
-ricane
suffix indicating a storm or violent wind
suffix
English Dictionary

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Words of the Year

The most notable words that defined each year. Discover the vocabulary that shaped our world.