sandstorm

American  

[sand-stawrm] / ˈsændˌstɔrm /

noun

Meteorology.

1. an occurrence of strong winds, especially in a desert, that pick up and carry sand, as from dunes, and typically move along in a series of leaps, effecting the process of saltation.

   Our plan to film on location in Dubai was thwarted by a week of unusually persistent sandstorms.

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sandstorm British  

/ ˈsændˌstɔːm /

noun

1. a strong wind that whips up clouds of sand, esp in a desert

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sandstorm Scientific  

/ sănd′stôrm′ /

1. A strong wind that carries clouds of sand and dust through the air. Most of the particles in a sandstorm are between 0.08 and 1 mm (0.0032 and 0.04 inches) in size. Sandstorms usually are limited to within 3 m (10 ft) of the ground, rarely getting more than 15 m (49 ft) high. They develop in desert areas where loose sand can be stirred up by wind. Most sandstorms occur during the day when the Earth's surface heats up and dissipate at night as it cools.

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Etymology

Origin of sandstorm

First recorded in 1765–75; sand + storm

Example Sentences

Iraq is listed by the UN as one of the five countries most vulnerable to climate change as it encounters regular sandstorms, sweltering heat and water scarcity.

From BBC

The phenomenon isn’t new — sandstorms from North Africa have shrouded Britain, Greece and Spain in the past — but the event led to remarkable scenes around the Acropolis and in other parts of Athens.

From New York Times

Tiger Woods battles a sandstorm on the 18th hole at Augusta before sinking a putt that means he is set to makes a 24th consecutive Masters cut.

From BBC

Ramping up his mileage to make up for lost time, Mr Cook made the decision to run through the night due to the intense daytime heat and sandstorms.

From BBC

“It’s the calm before the sandstorm,” he said.

From Seattle Times