wind shear

noun

: a radical shift in wind speed and direction that occurs over a very short distance

Examples of wind shear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web La Niña historically enhances Atlantic hurricane activity by tamping down the vertical wind shear in the tropics. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 14 June 2024 Tornadoes remain a possibility overnight because of strong wind shear, instability in the atmosphere and high moisture, Gordon said. Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 26 May 2024 Despite plenty of bathtub warm water in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, upper-level winds, known as wind shear, are much too disruptive right now for any tropical systems to form in these areas, according to Jon Rizzo, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Key West, Florida. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 11 June 2024 This can create differences in air temperature, the researchers write, making wind shear more common. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for wind shear 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wind shear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wind shear was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near wind shear

Cite this Entry

“Wind shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20shear. Accessed 29 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

wind shear

noun
: a radical shift in wind speed and direction that occurs over a very short distance

More from Merriam-Webster on wind shear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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