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derecho
noun
de·re·cho
də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō
plural derechos
: a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful straight-line winds that cause widespread destruction
Examples of derecho in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Downed trees and strong winds toppled neighborhood power lines, and the May derecho even felled some massive transmission towers, warping them into twisted metal.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN, 12 July 2024
Although there already were efforts to grow shorter corn, the demand for innovations by private companies such as Bayer and academic scientists soared after an intense windstorm — called a derecho — plowed through the Midwest in August 2020.
—Erin Prater, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2024
The city was struck by massive back-to-back storms: A powerful derecho in May blew out skyscraper windows and left downtown Houston dark.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN, 12 July 2024
The severe weather comes weeks after a dangerous storm system triggered by a derecho pummeled the Midwest, spinning up multiple tornadoes causing flash floods, and leaving multiple people dead.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 30 July 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Spanish, straight (contrasted with tornado, taken to mean "turned"), from Latin directus — more at direct entry 1
First Known Use
1888, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near derecho
Cite this Entry
“Derecho.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derecho. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
derecho
noun
de·re·cho
də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō
plural derechos
: a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful winds that move in a straight line and that cause widespread destruction
Etymology
from Spanish, "straight" (opposed to tornado, taken to mean "turned" in Spanish)
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