wind shear

noun

: a radical shift in wind speed and direction that occurs over a very short distance

Examples of wind shear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Research indicates that climate change impacts conditions in which thunderstorms form and may be leading to larger outbreaks, though fewer of them, by adding to the instability of the atmosphere while simultaneously cutting back on wind shear. Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 29 Dec. 2024 Relatively minor wind shear and high water temperatures could aid the strengthening process, according to AccuWeather. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024 Those warm, moist conditions—along with relatively little wind shear, which can disrupt a storm’s center—are also expected to cause Helene to steadily intensify. Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 25 Sep. 2024 At lower levels of the atmosphere, there is ample wind shear (winds that blow at different speeds and/or directions at different altitudes) present to support long-lasting, rotating thunderstorms that can produce an array of extreme weather hazards, including tornadoes. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wind shear 

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wind shear was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near wind shear

Cite this Entry

“Wind shear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20shear. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

wind shear

noun
: a radical shift in wind speed and direction that occurs over a very short distance

More from Merriam-Webster on wind shear

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