vendaval

noun

ven·​da·​val

ˌvendəˈval,

-väl

plural -s

1

: a gusty southwest wind occurring chiefly in winter about the strait of Gibraltar

2

: an autumnal thundersquall on the coast of Mexico

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from French vent d' aval westerly wind, literally, downstream wind, from vent wind (from Latin ventus) + d' of (contraction of de, from Latin) + aval downstream, downward

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now