simoom

/ sɪˈmuːn; sɪˈmuːm /

noun

1. a strong suffocating sand-laden wind of the deserts of Arabia and North Africa Also calledsamiel

Word History and Origins

Origin of simoom¹

from Arabic samūm poisonous, from sam poison, from Aramaic sammā poison

Example Sentences

If you happen to be in Africa and stuck in a “hot, dry, suffocating sand-wind” which sweeps across the deserts at intervals during the spring, you should know that you are in a simoom.

From Time

Among these winds are the simoom and sirocco.

From Project Gutenberg

It was late in the afternoon when we reached the spot again, and a wind which threatened simoom had covered the heart-shaped footmarks made by our own and other camels, as with a tidal wave.

From Project Gutenberg

In the choking breath of the simoom he feels the potentialities of God, and his own helpless impotence.

From Project Gutenberg

It was an His simple manners. exceedingly hot day and the simoom was blowing fiercely.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• sandstorm