downdraft

[ doun-draft, -drahft ]

noun

1. a downward current, as of air:

   a downdraft in a mine shaft.

2. a downward movement, as of the stock market.

downdraft

/ doun′drăft′ /

1. A downward moving current of air in a cumulonimbus cloud.
2. Compare updraft

Word History and Origins

Origin of downdraft¹

First recorded in 1780–90; down ¹ + draft

Example Sentences

PyroCb possible later this PM, with lightning/outflow & downdraft winds as hazards.

From Los Angeles Times

Within a cumulonimbus cloud, the updrafts and downdrafts of air moving inside can be very strong which bring severe turbulence.

From BBC

Dust devils stem from a difference in heating that causes an updraft in one area and a downdraft in another, said Jeff Masters, founder of Weather Underground and now with Yale Climate Connections.

From Seattle Times

In studying this process, Prein's calculations showed that climate change is likely altering the picture by increasing the temperature difference between the cool air in downdrafts and the warm surrounding air.

From Science Daily

"Building and construction activity remains the weakest segment, but there were downdrafts now noted in volume appetite from most other sectors, with the exception of aerospace," analysts at Goldman Sachs said.

From Reuters