cyclone
A cyclone is a very large and powerful storm with strong winds that spin in a circle. It usually happens over warm oceans and brings heavy rain and strong winds to the land.
Examples
3 of 5The cyclone hit the coast early this morning.
The cyclone hit the coast early this morning.
Authorities have issued a warning regarding the approaching cyclone.
Authorities have issued a warning regarding the approaching cyclone.
Check the news to see if that cyclone is coming here.
Check the news to see if that cyclone is coming here.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'cycle'—the wheels of a bicycle spin in a circle, just like the winds of a cyclone.
Quick Quiz
The ______ caused a lot of damage to the coastal village with its 200km/h winds.
Correct!
The correct answer is: cyclone
Examples
The cyclone hit the coast early this morning.
everydayThe cyclone hit the coast early this morning.
Authorities have issued a warning regarding the approaching cyclone.
formalAuthorities have issued a warning regarding the approaching cyclone.
Check the news to see if that cyclone is coming here.
informalCheck the news to see if that cyclone is coming here.
The physical characteristics of a cyclone include a low-pressure center and rotating winds.
academicThe physical characteristics of a cyclone include a low-pressure center and rotating winds.
The company expects shipping delays due to the tropical cyclone in the region.
businessThe company expects shipping delays due to the tropical cyclone in the region.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
cyclone shelter
cyclone shelter
post-cyclone recovery
post-cyclone recovery
cyclone track
cyclone track
Often Confused With
A tornado is a smaller, violent wind funnel over land, while a cyclone is a massive storm system over the ocean.
These are the same type of storm; 'hurricane' is used in the Atlantic, while 'cyclone' is used in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.
Usage Notes
The word 'cyclone' is specifically used by meteorologists and locals in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific regions. In common conversation, it refers to any large rotating wind storm.
Common Mistakes
Don't use 'cyclone' for a simple rainy day or a light wind; it must be a severe, rotating storm system.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'cycle'—the wheels of a bicycle spin in a circle, just like the winds of a cyclone.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek word 'kyklos', meaning 'circle' or 'coil of a snake'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In countries like Australia, India, and Bangladesh, cyclone preparedness is a major part of public safety education.
Quick Quiz
The ______ caused a lot of damage to the coastal village with its 200km/h winds.
Correct!
The correct answer is: cyclone
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More Weather words
windy
A1Windy is an adjective used to describe weather conditions where there is a lot of strong, moving air. It characterizes a day or a place where the wind is blowing harder than usual, often making it feel colder or causing objects to move.
foggy
A1Foggy is an adjective used to describe weather where there is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets near the ground. It makes it very difficult to see things that are far away or even close by.
stormy
A1Describes weather that is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and often thunder or lightning. It can also refer to a situation or relationship marked by strong conflict or angry arguments.
overcast
A1An overcast is a condition where the entire sky is covered with clouds and no sun can be seen. It describes a grey and dull sky that often happens before rain or during cold days.
cool
A1Describes a temperature that is moderately cold, typically in a way that is pleasant or refreshing. It is used to describe weather that is neither hot nor very cold, often requiring a light jacket.
freezing
A1Freezing refers to the temperature at which water turns into ice, which is 0°C or 32°F. It describes the process or the state of the weather when it is cold enough for liquid to become solid.
humid
A1Humid describes air that feels wet, damp, and sticky because it contains a lot of water vapor. It is often used to describe hot weather that makes you feel sweaty.
wet
A1Describes something that is covered in or full of water or another liquid. In the context of weather, it refers to a day or period when it is raining.
mild
A1Mild describes weather that is warmer than usual for a specific time of year, especially in winter or autumn. It means the temperature is moderate and pleasant, rather than being very cold or freezing.
rain
A1Rain is water that falls from clouds in the sky in small drops. It is a natural weather event that provides water for plants and fills rivers and lakes.
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