cyclonic

[ sahy-klon-ik ]

adjective

, Meteorology.

1. of or relating to a cyclone:

   a cyclonic system developing to our west.

2. describing a direction of rotation that is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, and undefined at the equator:

   In the Weddell Sea, the main circulation is cyclonic.

Other Words From

• cy·clon·i·cal·ly adverb
• pre·cy·clon·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyclonic¹

First recorded in 1855–60; cyclon(e) + -ic

Example Sentences

India's weather department has said a depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to turn into a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday evening.

From BBC

The cyclonic storm is expected to cross Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal coasts around midnight Sunday, the India Meteorological Department said in a statement.

From Seattle Times

The cyclonic storms, known as western disturbances, typically bring heavy snow to the Himalayas from December to March.

From Science Daily

But this holiday low-pressure system is cut off from the stream and merely wobbling its way toward Southern California in a cyclonic flow.

From Los Angeles Times

Heavy rains and strong winds from a severe cyclonic storm have been battering India's southern coast with reports that several people have died.

From BBC