tropical cyclone
English
Three tropical cyclones of the 2006 Pacific typhoon season at different stages of development. The weakest (left), a tropical depression, demonstrates only the most basic circular shape. A stronger storm (top right) demonstrates spiral banding and increased centralization, while the strongest (lower right), a typhoon, has developed an eye.
Pronunciation
Audio (US) (file)
Noun
tropical cyclone (plural tropical cyclones)
- (in the broad sense) a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, strong winds, and a circular/spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain, ranging in increasing strength from tropical depressions and tropical storm to hurricanes.
- (in the narrow sense) typhoon, hurricane
Synonyms
- (in the narrow sense) severe tropical cyclone, very intense tropical cyclone (used in the southern hemisphere and the Indian Ocean)
Translations
(broad sense)
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See also
- cyclone
- hurricane
- typhoon
- tropical storm
- cyclonic storm
- tropical depression
- tempest
- willy-willy
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