Cyclone

/ˈsaɪkləʊn/

nounBeginner📊CommonWeather
1 meaning3 questions

Definitions

1

A large-scale atmospheric wind system characterized by low pressure at its center and inward spiraling winds. Cyclones are typically accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds.

/ˈsaɪkləʊn/

nounneutralBeginner
Weather

A system of winds rotating inward to an area of low atmospheric pressure.

The cyclone caused widespread damage to the coastal region.

💡 Simply: Picture a giant spinning storm with strong winds and rain, like a big, angry swirl of air. It's like a super-sized whirlwind that can cause a lot of trouble.

👶 For kids: A cyclone is a big, big wind that spins around and around! Sometimes it brings lots of rain and wind.

More Examples

2

Meteorologists are tracking the movement of the cyclone.

3

The cyclone's intensity increased overnight.

How It's Used

Meteorology

"A powerful cyclone is expected to make landfall tomorrow."

News Reporting

"The news reported the devastating impact of the cyclone on the coastal communities."

From Greek κυκλών (kyklōn, “circling”), from κύκλος (kyklos, “circle”). Originally referred to any rotating storm system, the term gained prominence through its use to describe tropical cyclones, particularly in the Indian Ocean.

The term 'cyclone' has been used since the 19th century to describe rotating storm systems. Initially, it was primarily used for storms in the Indian Ocean.

Memory tip

Imagine a CIRCLE of wind! Think of a circular storm.

Word Origin

LanguageGreek
Original meaning

"circle, cycle"

powerful cyclonetropical cyclonecyclone seasontrack a cycloneimpact of a cyclone

Common misspellings

syclonecycclone

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written