khamsin

American  

[kam-seen, kam-sin] / kæmˈsin, ˈkæm sɪn /

noun

1. a hot southerly wind, varying from southeast to southwest, that blows regularly in Egypt and over the Red Sea for about 50 days, commencing about the middle of March.

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khamsin British  

/ kæmˈsiːn, ˈkæmsɪn /

noun

1. a hot southerly wind blowing from about March to May, esp in Egypt

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Etymology

Origin of khamsin

First recorded in 1675–85, khamsin is from the Arabic word khamsīn literally, fifty

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

khamsin

Under Ottoman Empire law, murder was held more pardonable if committed while the khamsin was blowing.

From Time Magazine Archive

The shaky cease-fire shifted attention back to Lebanon's complicated political situation, which was about as impenetrable as the khamsin.

From Time Magazine Archive

These victims have few specific complaints beyond an extreme sensitivity to the rapid temperature changes caused by the khamsin.

From Time Magazine Archive

Additional tests have shown that their conditions are aggravated, not directly caused by the khamsin.

From Time Magazine Archive

When the khamsin blows the dust- storms upon the caravan, the camel-driver hath no care for his camels.

From The Weavers: a tale of England and Egypt of fifty years ago - Volume 2 by Gilbert Parker

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