Definition

1. Noun:
   • A severe tropical cyclone: A typhoon is a powerful, rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, strong winds, and heavy rain. It forms over warm tropical or subtropical ocean waters in the northwestern Pacific Ocean or the Indian Ocean.

Usage

• The word "typhoon" is used specifically for tropical cyclones occurring in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. In other regions, similar storms are called hurricanes (Atlantic and northeastern Pacific) or cyclones (South Pacific and Indian Ocean).
• It functions as a countable noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The typhoon caused widespread flooding and damage to coastal villages.
  • Meteorologists are tracking a powerful typhoon approaching the Philippines.
  • All flights were canceled due to the approaching typhoon.

Advanced Usage

• "Typhoon season": Refers to the period of the year when typhoons are most likely to form in a specific region.
  • Preparations for the annual typhoon season begin in early summer.
• "Typhoon warning": An official alert issued by meteorological agencies indicating that a typhoon is expected.
  • A typhoon warning has been issued for the entire eastern seaboard.

Variants and Related Words

• Typhonic (adj): Relating to or resembling a typhoon; tempestuous.
  • The sea was in a typhonic state.
• Super Typhoon (n): An unofficial designation for a typhoon with sustained wind speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour (240 km/h), indicating exceptional intensity.
  • The super typhoon was the strongest storm of the decade.

Synonyms

• Tropical cyclone: The broad meteorological term for this type of storm system.
• Storm: A general term for any disturbed state of the atmosphere, especially affecting the Earth's surface.

Related Phrases

• The eye of the typhoon: The calm, clear center of the storm.
  • For a few minutes, we were in the eye of the typhoon, and everything was eerily still.
• Typhoon-force winds: Winds of hurricane or typhoon intensity, typically exceeding 74 mph (119 km/h).
  • The region experienced typhoon-force winds for over six hours.

Noun

1. a tropical cyclone occurring in the western Pacific or Indian oceans