simoom

British  

/ sɪˈmuːn, sɪˈmuːm /

noun

1. Also called: samiel.  a strong suffocating sand-laden wind of the deserts of Arabia and North Africa

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Etymology

Origin of simoom

from Arabic samūm poisonous, from sam poison, from Aramaic sammā poison

Example Sentences

If you happen to be in Africa and stuck in a “hot, dry, suffocating sand-wind” which sweeps across the deserts at intervals during the spring, you should know that you are in a simoom.

From Time • Mar. 20, 2014

Her sire, who, upon his trackless wilds, could have outstripped the pestilent simoom; and with throat unslaked, and hunger unappeased, could thrice have seen the scorching sun go down, had not greater powers of endurance.

From Rookwood by Ainsworth, William Harrison

There is nothing to be heard but the sharp whistle of the dry snow—the same dreary music which accompanies the African simoom.

From Northern Travel Summer and Winter Pictures of Sweden, Denmark and Lapland by Taylor, Bayard

It was an His simple manners. exceedingly hot day and the simoom was blowing fiercely.

From A Literary History of the Arabs by Nicholson, Reynold

It was in a gale of wind and a simoom of dust, but I greatly enjoyed it.

From The Letters of Charles Dickens Vol. 2, 1857-1870 by Dickens, Mamie

Related Words

• sandstorm