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
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At lower levels of the atmosphere, there is ample wind shear (winds that blow at different speeds and/or directions at different altitudes) present to support long-lasting, rotating thunderstorms that can produce an array of extreme weather hazards, including tornadoes. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 28 Dec. 2024 Turbulence is caused by a variation in wind speeds and directions that occurs over a short distance in the atmosphere, known as wind shear. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 And with very low vertical wind shear and incredibly warm sea-surface temperatures, Milton will be able to gain strength over the next few days. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 7 Oct. 2024 If the atmosphere is too dry, or if the wind shear is too intense, storms may never spin their way into Category 1. Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 27 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near wind shear

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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