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jet stream
noun
: a long narrow meandering current of high-speed winds near the tropopause blowing from a generally westerly direction and often exceeding a speed of 250 miles (402 kilometers) per hour
Examples of jet stream in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Turbulence occurs all across the globe and is felt most often near mountain ranges and the edges of jet streams.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 May 2024
The jet stream coursing between these clashing air masses has swept a series of storm systems through Texas, Oklahoma and up into the Midwest.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 29 May 2024
The Atlantic Ocean, in particular, is like a super highway of overlapping jet streams and weather patterns that interact in ways science is still trying to understand.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 29 May 2024
Guinn, of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, explains that some predict climate change could alter the jet stream and increase the wind shear, which would consequently drive up turbulence in the air.
—Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for jet stream
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jet stream.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1947, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near jet stream
Cite this Entry
“Jet stream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jet%20stream. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
jet stream
noun
: a long narrow wandering current of high-speed winds blowing from a generally westerly direction several miles above the earth's surface
More from Merriam-Webster on jet stream
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jet stream
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