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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Such a proliferation of storms is rare but not unprecedented, NASA noted, with meteorologists attributing the display in part to warm sea surface temperatures and weak wind shear conditions. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 Tangent La Niña can also result in more severe hurricane seasons in the Atlantic Ocean by expanding the area of low vertical wind shear, which increases the number of hurricanes that develop and allows stronger storms to form. Ty Roush, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Two conditions that have played a role throughout this hurricane season could allow yet another depression or tropical storm or even a hurricane to form: low wind shear and very warm water. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 The Role of Air Traffic Control Weather conditions and wind shear add further complexities to these turbulent airports. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wind shear

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wind shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20shear. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

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

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