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downdraft

American  
[doun-draft, -drahft] / ˈdaʊnˌdræft, -ˌdrɑft /

noun

  1. a downward current, as of air.

    a downdraft in a mine shaft.

  2. a downward movement, as of the stock market.


downdraft Scientific  
/ doundrăft′ /
  1. A downward moving current of air in a cumulonimbus cloud.

  2. Compare updraft


Etymology

Origin of downdraft

First recorded in 1780–90; down 1 + draft

Vocabulary lists containing downdraft

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Microsoft is oversold in absolute and relative terms following a steep downdraft, so it may have less downside than the rest of the Magnificent Seven.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

PyroCb possible later this PM, with lightning/outflow & downdraft winds as hazards.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2024

It developed from a supercell storm - a rotating storm where the updraft and the downdraft are separated.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2023

The market’s 20-plus percent decline this year doesn’t mean the bottom is in, but it reduces the potential for an enormous downdraft.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 22, 2022

The frantic hawk speeds upward and, catching a downdraft, hurtles herself at Alice again.

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

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