hurricane

[ hur-i-keyn, huhr-or, especially British, -kuhn ]

noun

1. Meteorology. a tropical cyclone of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, or eastern Pacific Ocean, having sustained wind speeds of at least 64 knots (74 miles per hour, 33 meters per second): hurricanes form in waters with surface temperatures of about 80°F (27°C), intensifying as temperatures rise. Compare typhoon.
2. anything characterized by a turmoil of force or activity, suggestive of a hurricane:

   As our helicopter got closer to the canyon, a hurricane of wild horses took off in all directions, kicking up clouds of dust that impaired the pilot’s vision.

3. Hurricane, Military. a single-seat British fighter plane of World War II, fitted with eight .303 caliber machine guns and with a top speed in excess of 300 miles per hour (480 kilometers per hour).

hurricane

/ ˈhʌrɪkən; -keɪn /

noun

1. a severe, often destructive storm, esp a tropical cyclone
2. 1. a wind of force 12 or above on the Beaufort scale
   2. ( as modifier )

      a wind of hurricane force

3. anything acting like such a wind

hurricane

/ hûr′ĭ-kān′ /

1. A severe, rotating tropical storm with heavy rains and cyclonic winds exceeding 74 mi (119 km) per hour, especially such a storm occurring in the Northern Hemisphere. Hurricanes originate in the tropical parts of the Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean Sea and move generally northward. They lose force when they move over land or colder ocean waters.
2. See Note at cyclone

hurricane

1. A large tropical storm system with high-powered circular winds. ( See cyclone and eye of a hurricane .)

Notes

Between July and October, hurricanes cause extensive damage along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. ( See Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hurricane¹

First recorded in 1545–55; earlier furacan, hurricano, uracan, from Spanish huracán and Portuguese furacão, from Taíno huracán, furacán

Word History and Origins

Origin of hurricane¹

C16: from Spanish huracán, from Taino hurakán, from hura wind

Example Sentences

“We dealt with so many problems when we were shooting in New York, like trying to shoot during Hurricane Sandy,” says Esco.

From The Daily Beast

The absent turkey had been blown clean away in the hurricane force winds, I concluded.

From The Daily Beast

Leaving the moribund Eddie, Frank crosses paths with a black deliveryman, and they talk about hurricane survivors.

From The Daily Beast

Ann is only one of many “hurricane conspirators” who believe the storm has changed everything.

From The Daily Beast

Inhofe said the two disasters were different because the hurricane drew so many moochers.

From The Daily Beast

Maybe it didn't feel good to be on the hurricane deck of a good horse once more!

From Project Gutenberg

In a few days a new home was ready and the terrible hurricane forgotten by the carefree, happy little boy.

From Project Gutenberg

You also remember that last summer a hurricane destroyed the boy's home, and a new one had to be built.

From Project Gutenberg

They are, however, much less energetic, and often of greater size than the hurricane whirl.

From Project Gutenberg

Many a wild hurricane has spent its force on this tree of life, but has only caused it to strike its roots deeper.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cyclone
• gale
• monsoon
• storm
• tornado
• twister