khamsin
/'kæmsin/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - An oppressively hot, dry, southerly or southeasterly wind that originates in the Sahara Desert and blows across Egypt, typically in the spring for a period of about fifty days. It is characterized by its heat, dust, and sand.
Usage
- The word "khamsin" is used specifically as a proper noun to name this particular wind phenomenon in North Africa. It is often used in meteorological, geographical, and travel contexts.
- It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , , ).
Examples
- Travel was nearly impossible during the khamsin.
- The khamsin brings clouds of fine dust that obscure the sun.
- We experienced a fierce khamsin that lasted for three days.
Advanced Usage
- "khamsin conditions": Refers to the weather state characterized by the hot, dusty wind.
- Flights were delayed due to khamsin conditions.
- "khamsin season": Refers to the period in spring when these winds are most common.
- The khamsin season in Egypt typically runs from March to May.
Variants and Related Words
- Sirocco (noun): A similar hot, dust-laden wind blowing from northern Africa into southern Europe. While related, "sirocco" and "khamsin" refer to winds affecting different regions.
- Simoom (noun): A strong, dry, dust-laden desert wind, often used more generally for violent desert winds.
Synonyms
- Hot wind
- Desert wind
- Sand-laden wind
Related Phrases
- "blowing a khamsin": Describes the active occurrence of this wind.
- It's blowing a khamsin, so it's best to stay indoors.
- "khamsin dust": Specifically refers to the fine particulate matter carried by this wind.
- A layer of khamsin dust covered everything in the city.
Noun
- an oppressively hot southerly wind from the Sahara that blows across Egypt in the spring