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

1. an oppressively hot southerly wind from the Sahara that blows across Egypt in the spring