wind shear

[wind]

noun

1. the rate at which wind velocity changes from point to point in a given direction.

2. a condition, dangerous to aircraft, in which the speed or direction of the wind changes abruptly.

wind shear

/ wɪnd /

noun

1. stress on an aircraft in an area in which winds of different speeds and directions are close together

wind shear

1. A change in wind direction and speed between slightly different altitudes, especially a sudden downdraft. Depending on its scale, wind shear can cause a variety of effects, from minor turbulence to tornadoes. Wind shear caused by interactions between oceanic and atmospheric winds can be so strong that it can dissipate hurricanes.

2. See also shear force

Word History and Origins

Origin of wind shear¹

First recorded in 1940–45