Definition

Noun: 1. A high-speed, high-altitude airstream: A narrow, fast-moving current of air located near the top of the troposphere, typically blowing from west to east. It is a major factor in determining weather patterns and the movement of weather systems.

Usage

The term "jet stream" is used to describe a specific, powerful atmospheric phenomenon. It is most commonly discussed in the contexts of meteorology, aviation, and climate science to explain weather behavior and flight conditions. * It functions as a singular noun (e.g., the jet stream) but can be pluralized when referring to multiple distinct currents (e.g., polar and subtropical jet streams).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The jet stream is causing unseasonably warm weather across the region.
  • Pilots can save fuel and time by flying within the jet stream.
  • A shift in the jet stream's position led to the severe storm.

Advanced Usage

• "To be under/within the influence of the jet stream": Describes a region whose weather is being directly affected by the jet stream's path.
  • The entire continent was under the influence of a powerful jet stream, resulting in high winds.
• "A meandering/juxtaposed jet stream": Used to describe the jet stream's path when it forms large north-south waves (meanders) or when multiple streams interact, often associated with extreme weather events.
  • Scientists are studying whether a more meandering jet stream is linked to persistent heatwaves.

Variants and Related Words

• Polar jet stream (n): The jet stream located near the boundary between the polar and mid-latitude air masses.
• Subtropical jet stream (n): A weaker jet stream located at lower latitudes.
• Jet streak (n): A localized region within the jet stream where wind speeds are significantly higher.

Synonyms

• High-altitude wind current: A more general descriptive term.
• Airstream: A broad term for any current of air, of which a jet stream is a specific, powerful type.

Related Phrases

• "Riding the jet stream": A phrase used in aviation to describe the practice of flying an aircraft within the jet stream to gain a significant speed boost from tailwinds.
  • The flight from New York to London was exceptionally fast because the plane was riding the jet stream.

Noun

1. a high-speed high-altitude airstream blowing from west to east near the top of the troposphere; has important effects of the formation of weather fronts