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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

The khamsin is a baleful wind that flares out of the deserts, drying out the land and the people until the flesh fairly crackles.

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

The German drive, which had swept across Libya as fast and as hot as the desert wind called khamsin, was apparently aimed straight for Alexandria.

From Time Magazine Archive

Alexandria on our return was dimmed in the heat and choking in the sand clouds of a khamsin.

From The Fifth Battalion Highland Light Infantry in the War 1914-1918 by F. L. Morrison

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