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wind shear

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wind shear

  [wind]
Use wind shear in a Sentence
–noun
1. the rate at which wind velocity changes from point to point in a given direction.
2. a condition, dangerous to aircraft, in which the speed or direction of the wind changes abruptly.
Compare microburst.

Origin:
1940–45
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To wind shear
wind shear   (wĭnd)   
n.  A change in wind direction and speed between slightly different altitudes, especially a sudden downdraft.
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
wind shear  
A change in wind direction and speed between slightly different altitudes, especially a sudden downdraft. Depending on its scale, wind shear can cause a variety of effects, from minor turbulence to tornadoes. Wind shear caused by interactions between oceanic and atmospheric winds can be so strong that it can dissipate hurricanes. See also shear force.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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