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

Example Sentences

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Moving up out of the desert each spring and fall, the khamsin is an ill wind that blows no one in the Middle East any good.

From Time Magazine Archive

The khamsin, the hot African wind, filled the air with the sands of the Sahara.

From Time Magazine Archive

Last week, as Jerusalem suffered under the worst khamsin since 1893, tempers and guns blazed along Israel's borders.

From Time Magazine Archive

During a khamsin the temperature is high and the air extremely dry, while the dust and sand carried by the wind form a thick yellow fog obscuring the sun.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 1 "Edwardes" to "Ehrenbreitstein" by Various

Related Words

• sandstorm