downburst

[ doun-burst ]
/ ˈdaʊnˌbɜrst /

noun

a strong downward current of air from a cumulonimbus cloud, often associated with intense thunderstorms.

Origin of downburst

British Dictionary definitions for downburst

downburst
/ (ˈdaʊnˌbɜːst) /

noun

a very high-speed downward movement of turbulent air in a limited area for a short time. Near the ground it spreads out from its centre with high horizontal velocities Also called: microburst

Scientific definitions for downburst

downburst
[ dounbûrst′ ]

An extremely powerful downward air current from a cumulonimbus cloud, typically associated with thunderstorm activity. Downbursts can produce effects that resemble those brought about by tornadoes.