Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

thunderstorm

 - 3 dictionary results

thun⋅der⋅storm

  [thuhn-der-stawrm]
Use thunderstorm in a Sentence
–noun
a transient storm of lightning and thunder, usually with rain and gusty winds, sometimes with hail or snow, produced by cumulonimbus clouds.
Also called electrical storm.

Origin:
1645–55; thunder + storm
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To thunderstorm
thun·der·storm   (thŭn'dər-stôrm')   
n.  A transient, sometimes violent storm of thunder and lightning, often accompanied by rain and sometimes hail.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Science Dictionary
thunderstorm   (thŭn'dər-stôrm')  Pronunciation Key 
A storm of heavy rain accompanied by lightning, thunder, wind, and sometimes hail. Thunderstorms occur when moist air near the ground becomes heated, especially in the summer, and rises, forming cumulonimbus clouds that produce precipitation. Electrical charges accumulate at the bases of the clouds until lightning is discharged. Air in the path of the lightning expands as a result of being heated, causing thunder. Thunderstorms can also be caused by temperature changes triggered by volcanic eruptions and forest fires, and they occur with much greater frequency at the equatorial regions than in polar regions.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see thunderstorm on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way