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squall

 - 6 dictionary results

squall

1[skwawl] ,
–noun
1. a sudden, violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet.
2. a sudden disturbance or commotion.
–verb (used without object)
3. to blow as a squall.

Origin:
1690–1700; perh. special use of squall 2


squallish, adjective

squall

2[skwawl] ,
–verb (used without object)
1. to cry or scream loudly and violently: The hungry baby began to squall.
–verb (used with object)
2. to utter in a screaming tone.
–noun
3. the act or sound of squalling: The baby's squall was heard next door.

Origin:
1625–35; perh. < ON skvala shriek, cry; cf. Sw, Norw skvala splash, stream


squaller, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To squall
squall 1   (skwôl)   
n.  A loud, harsh cry.
intr.v.   squalled, squall·ing, squalls
To scream or cry loudly and harshly.

[Probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skvala, to squeal.]
squall'er n.
squall 2   (skwôl)   
n.  
  1. A brief sudden violent windstorm, often accompanied by rain or snow.

  2. Informal A brief commotion.

intr.v.   squalled, squall·ing, squalls
To blow strongly for a brief period.

[Probably of Scandinavian origin.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Science Dictionary
squall   (skwôl)  Pronunciation Key 
A brief, sudden, violent windstorm, often accompanied by rain or snow. A squall is said to occur if a wind having a sustained speed of 40 km (25 mi) per hour lasts at least 1 minute and then decreases rapidly. See also squall line.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia

squall

as used by weather forecasters, a sudden wind-speed increase of 8 metres per second (18 miles per hour) or more, for one minute or longer. It includes several briefer wind-speed changes, or gusts. A squall is often named for the weather phenomenon that accompanies it, such as rain, hail, or thunder; a line squall is one associated with a squall line of thunderstorms that is often hundreds of kilometres long.

Learn more about squall with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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