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typhoon vs. hurricane

typhoon vs. hurricane: What's the difference?

Typhoon and hurricane are different names for a severe (tropical) cyclone: a large-scale, atmospheric wind-and-pressure system characterized by low pressure at its center and by circular wind motion. Which term is used depends on where the storm occurs. Generally, storms that form over the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico are called hurricanes, while those that form over the Pacific Ocean are called typhoons. The word hurricane is sometimes used for storms that form over the eastern or central North Pacific Ocean.

typhoon

[ tahy-foon ]
noun
  1. a tropical cyclone in the western Pacific Ocean or northern Indian Ocean, having sustained winds of at least 64 knots (74 miles per hour, 33 meters per second): typhoons form in waters with surface temperatures of about 80°F (27°C), intensifying as temperatures rise.
  2. Typhoon, Military.
    1. a single-engine British ground attack aircraft of World War II.
    2. NATO's name for a class of nuclear-powered Soviet ballistic missile submarine carrying 20 multiwarhead missiles.

hurricane

[ hur-i-keyn, huhr- or, especially British, -kuhn ]
noun
  1. a tropical cyclone of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, or eastern Pacific Ocean, having sustained wind speeds of at least 64 knots (74 miles per hour, 33 meters per second): hurricanes form in waters with surface temperatures of about 80°F (27°C), intensifying as temperatures rise.
  2. anything characterized by a turmoil of force or activity, suggestive of a hurricane: As our helicopter got closer to the canyon, a hurricane of wild horses took off in all directions, kicking up clouds of dust that impaired the pilot’s vision.
  3. a single-seat British fighter plane of World War II, fitted with eight .303 caliber machine guns and with a top speed in excess of 300 miles per hour (480 kilometers per hour).