rain shadow

noun

, Meteorology.

1. a region in the lee of mountains that receives less rainfall than the region windward of the mountains.

rain shadow

noun

1. the relatively dry area on the leeward side of high ground in the path of rain-bearing winds

rain shadow

1. An area having relatively little precipitation due to the effect of a topographic barrier, especially a mountain range, that causes the prevailing winds to lose their moisture on the windward side, causing the leeward side to be dry.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rain shadow¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The Pike National Forest east of town sits in the rain shadow of the 14ers bordering the valley’s west edge, so in some years, roads may stay dry for most of the winter.

From Outside Online

Lying in a rain shadow cast by the Tuxtlas and on sandy and well-drained soils is a dense xerophytic forest.

From Project Gutenberg