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cyclone

/ˈsaɪkləʊn/
noun★Intermediate— a large, rotating storm system
technical

a large, rotating storm system with low pressure at its center, often causing strong winds and heavy rain

Meteorologists tracked the cyclone as it moved toward land.

Weather experts monitored the storm's path as it approached the coastline.

Tropical cyclones are classified by their wind speed and intensity.

Storms like hurricanes and typhoons are categorized based on their strength and wind velocity.

💡

Cyclones can be called hurricanes (Atlantic/Northeast Pacific) or typhoons (Northwest Pacific).

figurative

a situation or event that is chaotic or destructive

The political debate turned into a cyclone of accusations.

The discussion became extremely chaotic, with people making many harsh accusations.

💡

This figurative use is less common but can describe intense, swirling chaos.

Collocations

tropical cyclonea cyclone that forms over warm ocean waterscyclone warningan official alert about an approaching cyclonecyclone seasonthe time of year when cyclones are most likely to occur

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

eye of the cyclonephrase
the calm center of a cyclone
cyclone alleyphrase
a region prone to frequent cyclones

💡Pro Tip

Regional Names

Remember that cyclones are called hurricanes in the Atlantic and typhoons in the Pacific.

⚡Gold Rule

Scientific vs. Figurative

Use 'cyclone' for meteorological contexts; avoid figurative use unless the chaos is intense and swirling.

📖Word Origin

From Greek 'kyklōn' (circular, revolving), referring to the rotating nature of the storm.

📝Usage Notes

In meteorology, 'cyclone' is a general term, while 'hurricane' and 'typhoon' refer to cyclones in specific regions.

Word Breakdown

cycl
circle, rotate
root
+
-one
a type of storm
suffix
English Dictionary

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