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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

The hot, dry atmosphere produced by the khamsin contains an excess of positive ions.

From Time Magazine Archive

A third category of khamsin sufferers have more complex reactions.

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

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 - Complete by Parker, Gilbert

Related Words

• sandstorm