Definition

Noun: A visible mass of very small, dry particles of earth, sand, or other matter that is suspended in the air.

Usage

The term "dust cloud" is used to describe a concentrated, often moving, mass of airborne dust. It is typically formed by strong winds, explosions, collisions, or other disturbances that lift dust from the ground into the air.

Examples

• The car sped down the dirt road, kicking up a huge dust cloud behind it.
• After the building collapsed, a thick dust cloud enveloped the entire street.
• The meteor impact sent a massive dust cloud into the atmosphere, blocking the sun.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Environmental Context: In geology and climatology, "dust cloud" can refer to large-scale phenomena, such as those affecting climate or air quality.
• Astronomical Context: The term is also used to describe clouds of fine particles in space.

Variants and Related Words

• Dust storm (n): A severe weather condition characterized by strong winds carrying clouds of dust over a large area.
• Dust devil (n): A small, rapidly rotating wind that picks up dust and debris.

Synonyms

• Cloud of dust
• Dust plume

Related Phrases

• To kick up a dust cloud: To cause dust to rise into the air, typically by moving quickly or forcefully through a dusty area.
• Shrouded in a dust cloud: To be completely covered or hidden by a cloud of dust.

Noun

1. a cloud of dust suspended in the air