wind-tight
Adjective: - Able to resist the passage of wind: "wind-tight" describes a structure, seal, or material that is impermeable to wind, preventing air from leaking through. It is often used in construction, engineering, or clothing to indicate a high level of wind resistance.
- (The windows prevent wind from entering, improving energy efficiency.)
- (The fabric blocks wind, providing protection from the elements.)
- (The roof was sealed to prevent wind damage or infiltration.)
"to make something wind-tight": to seal an object or structure so that no wind can pass through.
- They used special tape to make the seams wind-tight. (They sealed the joints to block air leakage.)
"wind-tight construction": building methods that prioritize wind resistance, often using barriers like weatherstripping or vapor barriers.
- Passive houses require wind-tight construction for optimal insulation. (Buildings must be sealed against wind to maintain energy efficiency.)
- Windtightness (noun): the quality or state of being wind-tight.
- The windtightness of the building was tested with a blower door. (The ability to resist wind was measured.)
- Windproof (adj): similar in meaning but often used for clothing or fabrics; resistant to wind penetration.
- This jacket is windproof, so it's perfect for cycling. (The jacket blocks wind effectively.)
- Airtight (adj): resistant to air passage, including but not limited to wind; often used for containers.
- The container is airtight, keeping food fresh. (No air can enter or escape.)
- Wind-resistant: able to withstand or reduce the effects of wind, but not necessarily completely impermeable.
- Draft-proof: specifically designed to prevent drafts (a current of cool air) in a building.
- Sealed: closed tightly to prevent air movement.
- "Tight as a drum": extremely tight or sealed, often used metaphorically.
- The old house was as tight as a drum after the renovation. (It was completely sealed against wind and weather.)
- "Batten down the hatches": to prepare for a storm by securing everything, often involving making structures wind-tight.
- Before the hurricane, they battened down the hatches, making the house wind-tight. (They secured the house against wind.)
"Wind-tight" is a technical term less common in everyday speech than "windproof," but it is standard in engineering, construction, and building science contexts. It emphasizes a high degree of sealing, often against strong winds, while "windproof" may imply sufficient resistance for typical outdoor activities.