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hurricane
/ˈhʌr.ɪ.keɪn/
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
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Related Phrases
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
suffixEnglish Dictionary