Definition

Noun: A strong wind that blows from the southeast direction. It is a specific type of wind named for its point of origin.

Usage

The word "sou'easter" is used to describe a weather phenomenon, specifically a powerful and often stormy wind. It is commonly used in maritime contexts, weather reports, and regional descriptions, particularly in coastal areas.

Examples

• The fishing boats stayed in the harbor due to the approaching sou'easter.
• We could hear the sou'easter howling against the windows all night.
• A fierce sou'easter brought heavy rain and high seas to the coast.

Advanced Usage

• "a howling sou'easter": Emphasizes the loud, forceful nature of the wind.
  • The sailors battled a howling sou'easter for twelve hours.
• "sou'easterly": This is the adjectival form, used to describe something coming from or moving toward the southeast.
  • The storm took a sou'easterly track.

Variants and Related Words

• Southeaster: A more standard, less contracted spelling of the same word.
• Southeasterly (adj. & adv.): Coming from or directed toward the southeast.
• Gale: A very strong wind, which a sou'easter often is.
• Nor'easter: A strong wind or storm from the northeast; a related term for a wind named from a different compass point.

Synonyms

• Southeast wind
• Southeasterly gale

Notes on Meaning

This word specifically denotes the wind's direction (southeast) and its strength (strong). It is not used for a gentle breeze. The contracted spelling "sou'easter" reflects a common nautical or regional pronunciation, blending "south" and "easter."

Noun

1. a strong wind from the southeast