sandstorm

[ sand-stawrm ]

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.

sandstorm

/ ˈsændˌstɔːm /

noun

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

sandstorm

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sandstorm¹

First recorded in 1765–75; sand + storm

Example Sentences

Players systematically excavate each space on the board to find parts of a flying machine to win, while contending with limited resources and obstacles like sandstorms that may block their path and slow the dig.

From Popular-Science

The dust was everywhere, like a sudden sandstorm, burning the Nirs’ eyes and throats.

From Washington Post

Initial reports from the SCA stated that Ever Given lost control amid strong winds and sandstorms.

From Time

But here we have the original home that used "Sandstorm" for clubby Christmas light display in 2006.

From The Daily Beast

A massive sandstorm swept into Tehran Monday morning, blanketing the streets in a dark and dreamy haze.

From The Daily Beast

One night in May there was a sandstorm, which as usual played strange tricks with Annesley's nerves.

From Project Gutenberg

Heat and sandstorm, failure and famine, toil unutterable, these had been Oscar Ames' portion.

From Project Gutenberg

We forced our way along, pushing our machines, through a blinding sandstorm, till at last we had to take to the railway track.

From Project Gutenberg

A heavy sandstorm came on, and our Camel Corps were unable to follow up the beaten and dispirited enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

He was not certain if it would be inhabited at the Sandstorm season, but there was a good chance of stored food and water.

From Project Gutenberg