derecho

noun

de·​re·​cho də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō 

plural derechos

: a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful straight-line winds that cause widespread destruction

Examples of derecho in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Downed trees and strong winds toppled neighborhood power lines, and the May derecho even felled some massive transmission towers, warping them into twisted metal. —Ella Nilsen, CNN, 12 July 2024

Although there already were efforts to grow shorter corn, the demand for innovations by private companies such as Bayer and academic scientists soared after an intense windstorm — called a derecho — plowed through the Midwest in August 2020. —Erin Prater, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2024

The city was struck by massive back-to-back storms: A powerful derecho in May blew out skyscraper windows and left downtown Houston dark. —Ella Nilsen, CNN, 12 July 2024

The severe weather comes weeks after a dangerous storm system triggered by a derecho pummeled the Midwest, spinning up multiple tornadoes causing flash floods, and leaving multiple people dead. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 30 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, straight (contrasted with tornado, taken to mean "turned"), from Latin directus — more at direct entry 1

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

derecho

noun

de·​re·​cho

də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō

plural derechos

: a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful winds that move in a straight line and that cause widespread destruction

Etymology

from Spanish, "straight" (opposed to tornado, taken to mean "turned" in Spanish)