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

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

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

But for the moment no khamsin was blowing, no dreadful sandstorm to grind up men and machines.

From Time Magazine Archive

It was another very hot day, with a khamsin blowing, and the hard, shelterless hill-sides were a poor place to spend it on.

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

Related Words

• sandstorm