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

There’s also a risk of damaging winds, mainly in downbursts from collapsing storms.

From Washington Post