Coriolis effect

noun

Co·​ri·​o·​lis effect ˌkȯr-ē-ˈō-ləs- How to pronounce Coriolis effect (audio)
: the apparent deflection of a moving object that is the result of the Coriolis force

Examples of Coriolis effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In a toilet, the water volume and distance are too small to be subject to the Coriolis effect—a relief for anyone flushing the toilet at the equator. Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024 The tail of a comet is typically slightly curved because of the Coriolis effect, which affects large-scale weather patterns, but can be seen in everyday events, such as making the water jets coming off a rotating sprinkler look curved. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 The counterclockwise motion of most tornadoes has long been attributed to the Coriolis effect, the force caused by the Earth’s rotation. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024 Winds and the tidal Coriolis effect also impact its position. Special To The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 9 July 2020 But the bottom line is this: for hurricanes and shooting cannon and launching missiles, yeah, the Coriolis effect is important. Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2012

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Coriolis effect was circa 1946

Dictionary Entries Near Coriolis effect

Cite this Entry

“Coriolis effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Coriolis%20effect. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Coriolis effect

noun
Co·​ri·​o·​lis effect ˌkōr-ē-ˌō-ləs- How to pronounce Coriolis effect (audio)
ˌkȯr-
: the deflection of a moving object that is a result of the Coriolis force

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