clear-air turbulence
[ kleer-air ]
noun
atmospheric turbulence, sometimes severe, occurring in air devoid of clouds or other visible indicators that turbulence might be present. Abbreviation: CAT
Origin of clear-air turbulence
1First recorded in 1950–55
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use clear-air turbulence in a sentence
But there is turbulence that neither radar nor pilots can see—clear air turbulence.
Scientific definitions for clear-air turbulence
clear-air turbulence
[ klîr′âr′ ]
Atmospheric turbulence that occurs under tranquil and cloudless conditions at high altitudes near jet streams, mountain ranges, and developing storm systems. It subjects aircraft to strong updrafts and downdrafts.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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