downburst

[ doun-burst ]

noun

1. a strong downward current of air from a cumulonimbus cloud, often associated with intense thunderstorms.

downburst

/ ˈdaʊnˌbɜːst /

noun

1. a very high-speed downward movement of turbulent air in a limited area for a short time. Near the ground it spreads out from its centre with high horizontal velocities Also calledmicroburst

downburst

/ doun′bûrst′ /

1. An extremely powerful downward air current from a cumulonimbus cloud, typically associated with thunderstorm activity. Downbursts can produce effects that resemble those brought about by tornadoes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of downburst¹

down ¹ + burst

Example Sentences

If this occurs, it can produce a “downburst” as cold, dense air descends rapidly out of the cloud.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors said that they now believed a downburst was the weather phenomenon that hit the ship: a localised, powerful wind that descends from a thunderstorm and spreads unpredictably.

From BBC

Italian authorities say a downburst was the most likely cause of the sinking of the Bayesian superyacht which led to the deaths of seven people.

From BBC

A downburst occurs when air plummets downward from the base of the cloud - often in conjunction with a downpour of rain - producing a powerful wind gust that blows towards the ground.

From BBC

But at a news conference on Saturday, officials said it was more likely that it was caused by a downburst - a localised gusty wind associated with thunderstorms.

From BBC