dust devil

American  

[duhst dev-uhl] / ˈdʌst ˌdɛv əl /

noun

Meteorology.

1. a well-developed dust whirl with a diameter of about 10–100 feet (3–30 meters), rotating either clockwise or counterclockwise, common in dry regions on hot, calm afternoons and made visible by the dust, debris, and sand it picks up from the ground: dust devils on average are about 660 feet (200 meters) tall, but some have exceeded a height of 3,280 feet (1 kilometer).

   We noticed the base of the dust devil following a direct path along the ground, but its uppermost portion was meandering wildly.

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dust devil British  

noun

1. a strong miniature whirlwind that whips up dust, litter, leaves, etc into the air

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Etymology

Origin of dust devil

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

They found that electrical discharges were normally associated with dust devils and dust storm fronts.

From BBC

His descent into nothingness remains as fascinating as a dying dust devil on the lonely western Kansas prairie — one of those places Trump claims to represent, but only exploits.

From Salon

Just last week, scientists revealed that InSight scored another first, capturing a Martian dust devil not just in pictures, but sound.

From Seattle Times

Sound returns for another couple of seconds as the trailing wall of the dust devil spins over the rover again.

From Washington Post

It sounds strikingly similar to dust devils on Earth, although quieter since Mars’ thin atmosphere makes for more muted sounds and less forceful wind, according to the researchers.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• sandstorm