updraft

[ uhp-draft, -drahft ]

noun

1. the movement upward of air or other gas.

updraft

/ ŭp′drăft′ /

1. An upward current of warm, moist air. With enough moisture, the current may visibly condense into a cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud.
2. Compare downdraft

Word History and Origins

Origin of updraft¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; up-, draft

Example Sentences

On the other hand, the strong updrafts can catch hold of burning embers, lofting them into unburned material, where they can produce “spot fires” up to several miles away from the fireline.

From Los Angeles Times

Other researchers have built drones based on studying the abilities of kestrels and other birds to exploit updrafts to save energy when flying.

From BBC

The science here is most compelling when Selby spins thermal columns, updrafts, trade winds and cloud formations into a history of California’s cities and often manmade geography.

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