cyclonical
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cy·clone
(sī′klōn′)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, especially a tornado.
3. Any of various devices using centrifugal force to separate materials.
[From Greek kuklōn, present participle of kukloun, to rotate, from kuklos, circle; see kwel- in Indo-European roots.]
cy·clon′ic (-klŏn′ĭk), cy·clon′i·cal adj.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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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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