Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern: An anticyclone is a weather system characterized by high atmospheric pressure at its center, with winds that spiral outward from this center. In the Northern Hemisphere, this outward spiral rotates clockwise; in the Southern Hemisphere, it rotates counterclockwise. Anticyclones are typically associated with calm, clear, and stable weather conditions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The anticyclone over the region brought a week of sunny skies and no rain.
  • Meteorologists predict the anticyclone will weaken, allowing clouds to move in.
  • In summer, a persistent anticyclone can lead to heatwaves and drought.

Advanced Usage

• "Blocking anticyclone" or "blocking high": A large, stationary anticyclone that disrupts the normal eastward progression of weather systems, often leading to prolonged periods of similar weather.
  • A blocking anticyclone over the Atlantic diverted the storm track northward.

Variants and Related Words

• Anticyclonic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of an anticyclone.
  • The anticyclonic flow brought dry air from the continent.

Synonyms

• High-pressure system: The general meteorological term for an area of high atmospheric pressure, of which an anticyclone is the circulatory pattern.
• High: A common abbreviated term in weather forecasting.

Antonyms

• Cyclone: A weather system characterized by low atmospheric pressure at its center, with winds spiraling inward, associated with storms and precipitation.
• Low-pressure system: The general term for an area of low atmospheric pressure.

Noun

1. (meteorology) winds spiraling outward from a high pressure center; circling clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern