Definition

1. Noun:
   • A strong, cold, dry northerly wind that blows through the Rhône valley and southern France into the Mediterranean Sea, especially during winter and spring. It is a regional wind known for its strength and clear weather conditions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mistral can blow for several days, making the air very clear but also very cold.
  • Farmers in Provence must protect their crops from the harsh effects of the mistral.
  • Sailing on the Mediterranean can be dangerous when the mistral is blowing.

Advanced Usage

• "a howling mistral": used to emphasize the wind's strength and noise.
  • We could hear a howling mistral rattling the windows all night.
• "mistral conditions": refers to the specific weather pattern associated with this wind.
  • The forecast predicts mistral conditions, so we should postpone the outdoor event.

Variants and Related Words

• Mistralic (adj): relating to or characteristic of the mistral wind.
  • The mistralic winds are a defining feature of the Provençal climate.

Synonyms

• North wind: a general term for winds originating from the north.
• Bora: a similar cold, northerly wind in the Adriatic region.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "mistral" is almost exclusively used as a proper noun to refer to this specific regional wind in southern France. It is not used for general winds. The capitalized form "Mistral" is also common.

Noun

1. a strong north wind that blows in France during the winter