sandstorm

[ sand-stawrm ]

noun

, Meteorology.

1. an occurrence of strong winds, especially in a desert, that pick up and carry sand, as from dunes, and typically move along in a series of leaps, effecting the process of saltation:

   Our plan to film on location in Dubai was thwarted by a week of unusually persistent sandstorms.

sandstorm

/ ˈsændˌstɔːm /

noun

1. a strong wind that whips up clouds of sand, esp in a desert

sandstorm

/ sănd′stôrm′ /

1. A strong wind that carries clouds of sand and dust through the air. Most of the particles in a sandstorm are between 0.08 and 1 mm (0.0032 and 0.04 inches) in size. Sandstorms usually are limited to within 3 m (10 ft) of the ground, rarely getting more than 15 m (49 ft) high. They develop in desert areas where loose sand can be stirred up by wind. Most sandstorms occur during the day when the Earth's surface heats up and dissipate at night as it cools.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sandstorm¹

First recorded in 1765–75; sand + storm

Example Sentences

A commander in a Russian mercenary group has been killed in Mali following an attack by rebel fighters during a sandstorm, the group said.

From BBC

We drove through sandstorms and dozens of checkpoints guarded by jumpy fighters, reaching Khartoum, the ravaged city where the war began.

From New York Times

The phenomenon isn’t new — sandstorms from North Africa have shrouded Britain, Greece and Spain in the past — but the event led to remarkable scenes around the Acropolis and in other parts of Athens.

From New York Times

Tiger Woods battles a sandstorm on the 18th hole at Augusta before sinking a putt that means he is set to makes a 24th consecutive Masters cut.

From BBC

Ramping up his mileage to make up for lost time, Mr Cook made the decision to run through the night due to the intense daytime heat and sandstorms.

From BBC