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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1941, in the meaning defined above
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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wind shear
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