tropical depression

American  

[trop-i-kuhl di-presh-uhn] / ˈtrɒp ɪ kəl dɪˈprɛʃ ən /

noun

Meteorology.

1. an atmospheric low-pressure system originating in the tropics, specifically, a tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained wind speed is 38 miles per hour (62 kilometers per hour) or less.

---

tropical depression British  

noun

1. an area of heavy rains and winds, the first stage in the development of a possible hurricane

---

tropical depression Scientific  

1. A tropical cyclone having sustained surface winds less than 39 mi (63 km) per hour.

2. See Note at cyclone

---

Etymology

Origin of tropical depression

First recorded in 1845–50; tropical + depression (in the sense “low atmospheric pressure”

Compare meaning

How does tropical-depression compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• tropical depression vs. tropical storm

Example Sentences

The country is also already preparing for another storm, tropical depression Paolo, that is expected to make landfall in the northern Philippines this Friday.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cyclone Alfred had hovered for days off the country's east coast as a category two cyclone before weakening into a tropical depression on Saturday.

From BBC

Another low pressure area off Bicol could intensify into a tropical depression by the end of the week, Ms Claren said.

From BBC

While the typhoon has been downgraded to a tropical depression since making landfall in northern Vietnam, it has continued to cause deadly landslides across south-east Asia.

From BBC

Another tropical depression is forecast to develop in the western Pacific in the coming week.

From BBC