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A large-scale, rotating storm system with strong winds and heavy rain, originating over tropical or subtropical waters.
I meteorologi hanno previsto l'arrivo di un ciclone nel Mediterraneo.
Meteorologists have forecast the arrival of a cyclone in the Mediterranean.
In Italian, 'ciclone' can refer to both tropical cyclones (like hurricanes) and extratropical cyclones (like European windstorms).
A person or thing that causes great destruction or upheaval.
Quel politico è stato un vero ciclone nella sua città natale.
That politician was a real cyclone in his hometown.
Used metaphorically to describe someone with a powerful or disruptive influence.
In weather reports, 'ciclone' always refers to a storm system. Avoid using it figuratively in formal writing unless the context is clearly metaphorical.
The noun 'ciclone' is masculine (il ciclone) regardless of the storm's perceived gender. Do not use 'la ciclone'.
From the Greek *kyklôn* (whirling), via Latin *cyclonem*. The term entered Italian in the late 19th century through scientific terminology.
In meteorology, 'ciclone' is gender-neutral (il ciclone/la ciclone is incorrect; always 'il ciclone'). Figurative use is informal and often hyperbolic.