tornadic

adjective

tor·​na·​dic tȯr-ˈnā-dik How to pronounce tornadic (audio) -ˈna- How to pronounce tornadic (audio)
: relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a tornado
tornadic winds
a tornadic storm

Examples of tornadic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Intense downpours with a lot of lightning moved through the region but no tornadic activity was reported in the region. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 28 Feb. 2024 Other scientists have now observed this feature in actual tornadic supercells. Carolyn Wilke, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Nov. 2023 A couple of things need to happen for a supercell to become tornadic: First, the giant mesocyclone at the heart of the storm needs to get air rotating closer to the ground. Carolyn Wilke, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Nov. 2023 According to the executive order, the forecast currently places a tropical storm or hurricane making landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast early to mid-next week, with the potential for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and for isolated tornadic activity. Riley Hoffman, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2023 Straight-line wind, unlike tornadic wind, does not rotate. Baltimore Sun, 11 Aug. 2023 The change in tornadic activity — which Brooks describes as a maximum 10 percent increase in one area and a maximum 10 percent decrease in the other — is statistically significant, but whether that 10 percent change is noticeable to an individual depends. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2022 There is also the potential for inland tornadic activity. Dave Epstein, BostonGlobe.com, 27 July 2023 Driven by a winter storm that crossed over into North Texas on Monday night, the cold front is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and potential tornadic activity to the Houston area this morning and afternoon. Dan Carson, Chron, 24 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tornadic.' 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

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tornadic was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near tornadic

Cite this Entry

“Tornadic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tornadic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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