Contents
English
Etymology
From Ancient Greek κυκλῶν (kuklōn), present active participle of κυκλόω (kukloō), “‘I encircle’”) from κύκλος (kuklos), “‘circle’”)
Pronunciation
Noun
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Singular cyclone |
Plural cyclones |
cyclone (plural cyclones)
- A system of winds rotating around a center of low atmospheric pressure. A cyclone rotates counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere (opposite to that of an anticyclone). Modern meteorology restricts the use of the term cyclone to the cyclonic-scale circulations. But, it is still applied popularly to the more or less violent, small-scale circulations such as tornadoes, waterspouts, and dust devils (which may in fact exhibit anticyclonic rotation), and even, very loosely, to any strong wind. Because cyclonic circulation and relative low atmospheric pressure usually coexist, in common practice the terms cyclone and low are used interchangeably. Also, because cyclones nearly always are accompanied by inclement (sometimes destructive) weather, they are frequently referred to simply as storms.
- A Southeastern and Indian Ocean weather phenomenon that results in wind speeds of around 150 to 200 km/h.
Derived terms
See also
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