clear-air turbulence

noun

: sudden severe turbulence occurring in cloudless regions that causes violent jarring or buffeting of aircraft

Examples of clear-air turbulence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The rise is most notable in clear-air turbulence, which is difficult to detect. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026 Since 1979, clear-air turbulence has increased by as much as fifty-five per cent over the North Atlantic and forty-one per cent over the United States. Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 The study also predicts that clear-air turbulence (CAT), a particularly dangerous type of turbulence, will be more frequent in the future. Colson Thayer, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025 As the planet warms, clear-air turbulence is intensifying, according to recent research. Renée Rigdon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clear-air turbulence

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clear-air turbulence was in 1955

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Cite this Entry

“Clear-air turbulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clear-air%20turbulence. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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