cy·clone (s  kl n )n. 1. Meteorology a. An atmospheric system characterized by the rapid inward circulation of air masses about a low-pressure center, usually accompanied by stormy, often destructive weather. Cyclones circulate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. b. A violent tropical storm, especially one originating in the southwestern Pacific Ocean or Indian Ocean. 2. A violent rotating windstorm. 3. Any of various devices using centrifugal force to separate materials. [From Greek kukl n, present participle of kukloun, to rotate, from kuklos, circle; see kwel-1 in Indo-European roots.]cy·clon ic (-kl n k), cy·cloni·cal adj. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | cyclonical - of or relating to or characteristic of the atmosphere around a low pressure center; "cyclonic cloud pattern" meteorology - the earth science dealing with phenomena of the atmosphere (especially weather) |
| 2. | cyclonical - of or relating to or characteristic of a violent tropical storm; "cyclonic destruction" |
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