cyclone

1 of 2

noun

cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn 

1

a

: a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (about 30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings heavy rain

b

: tornado

c

: low entry 2 sense 1b

2

: any of various centrifugal devices for separating materials (such as solid particles from gases)

cyclonic

sī-ˈklä-nik 

adjective

cyclonically

sī-ˈklä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Cyclone

2 of 2

trademark

Cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn 

—used for a chain-link fence

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This cluster will be fueled by the cyclone’s exhaust and eventually become one single storm. Gerry Díaz, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Sep. 2022

Otherworldly conditions sometimes had unexpected salutary effects, however; after an outbreak of cyclone-like dust devils threatened to scupper the rovers, NASA technicians prepared to grieve. Kyle Smith, WSJ, 3 Nov. 2022

In addition to comfortable seating, the Toto Drake Elongated Toilet features a powerful flush thanks to its double-cyclone technology. Adria Greenhauff, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2022

However, the scientists did find an anticyclonic ring around the polar cyclone, which could support the theory that this shield-like barrier is needed to keep the configuration stable. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 27 Sep. 2022

Rapid intensification significantly increases the odds a cyclone becomes a major hurricane. Chelsea Harvey, Scientific American, 27 Sep. 2022

The more than 1,200 miles of shores in the southern U.S. that line the Gulf of Mexico are no stranger to strong storms -- but that doesn't make potential damage from an approaching cyclone any less likely. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2022

The capital and northern provinces are recovering from a cyclone last month that caused floods and landslides and killed three people, according to Reuters. Rachel Pannett, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2022

Cate Blanchett is a force of nature, but then again, so is a blizzard, or a cyclone. Kyle Smith, WSJ, 6 Oct. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

Noun

modification of Greek kyklōma wheel, coil, from kykloun to go around, from kyklos circle

First Known Use

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cyclone

• bomb cyclone
• extratropical cyclone
• cyclone cellar
• tropical cyclone

• bomb cyclone
• extratropical cyclone
• cyclone cellar
• tropical cyclone

Kids Definition

cyclone

noun

cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn 

1

: a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings a great deal of rain

2

: tornado

cyclonic

sī-ˈklän-ik 

adjective