spindrift

[ spin-drift ]

noun

1. spray swept by a violent wind along the surface of the sea.

spindrift

/ ˈspɪnˌdrɪft /

noun

1. spray blown up from the surface of the sea
2. powdery snow blown off a mountain

Word History and Origins

Origin of spindrift¹

1590–1600; variant of Scots speendrift spoondrift

Word History and Origins

Origin of spindrift¹

C17: of Scottish origin, possibly from a variant of obsolete spoon to scud + drift

Example Sentences

Looking up, I noted the spindrift — blinding snow whipped into a frenzy by howling winds — that was sandblasting the entrance, some 20 feet above me.

From New York Times

The helicopter quickly disappeared in a cloud of spindrift snow.

From Washington Post

Together we discussed and gravely considered the relative merits of side compression straps, spindrift collars, crampon patches, load transfer differentials, air-flow channels, webbing loops, and something called the occipital cutout ratio.

From Literature

This time, the wind and the spindrift had already filled in my ski tracks.

From New York Times

While the rest of the group heads out for a swim, I excuse myself, hop off the walkway to explore the unpaved crevices, and discover a little secluded cove frothed in spindrift.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• aerosol
• sprayer
• sprinkler