This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
microburst
[ mahy-kruh-burst ]
/ ˈmaɪ krəˌbɜrst /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun Meteorology.
an intense, localized downdraft of air that spreads on the ground, causing rapid changes in wind direction and speed; a localized downburst.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Words nearby microburst
microblogging, microbrew, microbrewery, microbubble, microbubbles, microburst, microbus, micro-cap, microcapsule, microcassette, microcelebrity
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use microburst in a sentence
The unstable air fueled intense but short-lived storm updrafts that quickly paved the way for torrential downpours, concentrated cloud-to-ground lightning and the microbursts.
D.C. braces for second night of storms after deadly lightning strike|Jason Samenow, Jeffrey Halverson|August 5, 2022|Washington PostSupercell storms may also draw down momentum from the fast winds aloft to the ground, creating localized pockets of straight-line wind damage, or microbursts, as noted above.
Severe weather threat ends after damaging tornado in Annapolis|Jason Samenow, Jeffrey Halverson, Matthew Cappucci|September 1, 2021|Washington Post
British Dictionary definitions for microburst
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for microburst
microburst
[ mī′krō-bûrst′ ]
A sudden, violent downdraft of air over a small area (less than 16 sq km or 6.24 sq mi) that lasts at least 25 minutes. Microbursts can cause winds with speeds as high as 270 km (167 mi) per hour. They are difficult to detect and predict with standard weather instruments. They are especially hazardous to airplanes during landing or taking off.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.