Coriolis effect
noun
Co·ri·o·lis effect
ˌkȯr-ē-ˈō-ləs- 
: the apparent deflection of a moving object that is the result of the Coriolis force
Examples of Coriolis effect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Due to the Coriolis effect caused by the planet's rotation, this circulation generates a powerful eastward-flowing jet stream.
—
Victoria Corless, Space.com, 20 Mar. 2025
In a toilet, the water volume and distance are too small to be subject to the Coriolis effect—a relief for anyone flushing the toilet at the equator.
—Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
The tail of a comet is typically slightly curved because of the Coriolis effect, which affects large-scale weather patterns, but can be seen in everyday events, such as making the water jets coming off a rotating sprinkler look curved.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
The counterclockwise motion of most tornadoes has long been attributed to the Coriolis effect, the force caused by the Earth’s rotation.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
Winds and the tidal Coriolis effect also impact its position.
—Special To The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 9 July 2020
But the bottom line is this: for hurricanes and shooting cannon and launching missiles, yeah, the Coriolis effect is important.
—Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2012
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Victoria Corless, Space.com, 20 Mar. 2025
In a toilet, the water volume and distance are too small to be subject to the Coriolis effect—a relief for anyone flushing the toilet at the equator.
—Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
The tail of a comet is typically slightly curved because of the Coriolis effect, which affects large-scale weather patterns, but can be seen in everyday events, such as making the water jets coming off a rotating sprinkler look curved.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
The counterclockwise motion of most tornadoes has long been attributed to the Coriolis effect, the force caused by the Earth’s rotation.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
Winds and the tidal Coriolis effect also impact its position.
—Special To The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 9 July 2020
But the bottom line is this: for hurricanes and shooting cannon and launching missiles, yeah, the Coriolis effect is important.
—Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2012
Cite this Entry
“Coriolis effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Coriolis%20effect. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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Coriolis effect
noun
Co·ri·o·lis effect
ˌkōr-ē-ˌō-ləs-
ˌkȯr-
: the deflection of a moving object that is a result of the Coriolis force
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