View synonyms for

wind shear

[ wind ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the rate at which wind velocity changes from point to point in a given direction.
a condition, dangerous to aircraft, in which the speed or direction of the wind changes abruptly.

wind shear

/ ��ɪ�Ի� /

noun

stress on an aircraft in an area in which winds of different speeds and directions are close together

wind shear

A change in wind direction and speed between slightly different altitudes, especially a sudden downdraft. Depending on its scale, wind shear can cause a variety of effects, from minor turbulence to tornadoes. Wind shear caused by interactions between oceanic and atmospheric winds can be so strong that it can dissipate hurricanes.
See also shear force

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of wind shear¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In addition to moisture, “you need the combination of lift, you need some instability and you need some wind shear. We saw all of those things come together for a brief period of time this morning.”

From

The reason this area is key is because it hosts the best wind shear and instability.

From

That’s because it tends to reduce wind shear in the tropics, enabling hurricanes to grow in strength, and keeps Atlantic Ocean water warm, which helps fuel storms.

From

“This is because of the anticipated onset of La Niña, which suppresses wind shear, and the anomalous lingering warmth that’s expected to remain in the tropical Atlantic and in the Caribbean,” Grow Cei said.

From

"Yes, more water vapor in the air can foster stronger convection, but a tornado is a very local feature and requires a very specific set of meteorological conditions, such as the right wind shear."

From

wind-shaken wind shelf

Browse