cyclonic

American  

[sahy-klon-ik] / saɪˈklɒn ɪk /

Also cyclonical

adjective

Meteorology.

1. of or relating to a cyclone.

   a cyclonic system developing to our west.

2. describing a direction of rotation that is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, and undefined at the equator.

   In the Weddell Sea, the main circulation is cyclonic.

---

Other Word Forms

• cyclonically
  adverb
• precyclonic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of cyclonic

First recorded in 1855–60; cyclon(e) + -ic

Example Sentences

To better understand what is driving these changes, the team used a novel classification method that combines types of anticyclonic and cyclonic air mass circulation with a regional climate model.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Shipped volumes of 195,000 tons were largely in line with Jefferies’s expectations, despite the closure of Port Hedland for part of March due to cyclonic activity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Rescuers in Indonesia are searching for at least 400 people who have been reported missing, many believed to be buried under landslides, after cyclonic rains caused disastrous flooding nearly a week ago.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2025

The DMC said a cyclonic storm named "Ditwah" was moving across the island's eastern region, resulting in heavy rains across the country.

From Barron's • Nov. 28, 2025

Dover Wight Portland, I thought; northwest six to gale eight, becoming cyclonic...

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd