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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
During a La Niña, the area of low vertical wind shear in the Atlantic expands, increasing the number of hurricanes that develop while allowing stronger storms to form. Ty Roush, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Typically, Gulf of Mexico waters have cooled by November, and strong wind shear tears apart any storms that make it into the gulf. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The heat and humidity present in the atmosphere during such storms and changes in wind direction or speed with height, known as wind shear, contribute to their likelihood. Stephany Matat, Isabella O'Malley, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Oct. 2024 Climate change affects wind shear too—also making the planet more hospitable to hurricanes. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 8 Oct. 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 15 Nov. 2024.

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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