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.

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Other Word Forms

• cyclonically adverb
• precyclonic adjective

Etymology

Origin of cyclonic

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

Example Sentences

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

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

Ince was a wunderkind of the new medium, and a man of cyclonic energy and aptitude.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2025

India's weather department has said a depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to turn into a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday evening.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2024

Viking North Utsire South Utsire Forties cyclonic six to gale eight, I chanted in my head.

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd