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

Examples of cyclone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

More people are living in areas vulnerable to cyclones, too, so as these storms spool up, more lives and property are at stake. —Umair Irfan, Vox, 2 July 2024

The cyclone traveled the second-farthest distance of any tropical storm, just under 8,000 miles, second only to John. —Jack Armstrong, The Arizona Republic, 1 July 2024

Densely populated and low-lying Bangladesh is prone to seasonal rains, flooding and cyclones. —Helen Regan, CNN, 22 June 2024

The cyclone hit Carriacou with maximum winds that were just 5 mph short of Category 5 status, the most powerful hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. —Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 1 July 2024

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
• cyclone cellar
• extratropical cyclone
• 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