Hurricane

Definition

Hurricane is a noun that refers to a large, powerful tropical storm characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and an organized circulation. Hurricanes occur in tropical regions and are categorized by wind speed.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhɜːrəˌkeɪn/
• Respelling: HURR-uh-kayn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhʌrɪkən/
• Respelling: HURR-i-kuhn

Etymology

The word "hurricane" originates from the Spanish "huracán," derived from the Taíno word "hurakán," referring to the god of storms. It entered the English language in the 16th century and came to denote tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific regions.

Derivatives

• Hurricane-force (adjective)
• Hurricane-prone (adjective)
• Hurricane-resistant (adjective)
• Hurricane season (noun)
• Hurricane lamp (noun)

Synonyms

• Cyclone
• Typhoon
• Tropical storm

Antonyms

• Calm
• Stillness
• None

Usage

The term "hurricane" is used in meteorology to describe intense tropical storms. For example, "The hurricane caused widespread damage along the coast," or "Hurricane preparation is essential in tropical regions."

Related Terms

• Storm: A violent disturbance in the atmosphere.
• Typhoon: A tropical storm occurring in the Northwest Pacific.
• Cyclone: A general term for a rotating system of winds in the atmosphere.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A tropical storm with winds exceeding 74 mph (119 km/h): Refers to a storm system originating in tropical regions with significant wind and rain.
  • Example: "The hurricane made landfall, bringing torrential rain."
• An intense and destructive atmospheric disturbance: Describes a general state of chaos or disorder, often metaphorical.
  • Example: "The political crisis was like a hurricane sweeping through the nation."
• A storm system with an organized circulation: Specific to meteorology, describing the structural organization of a hurricane.
  • Example: "The satellite image showed the eye of the hurricane clearly."