jet stream
noun
strong, generally westerly winds concentrated in a relatively narrow and shallow stream in the upper troposphere of the earth.
similar strong winds in the atmosphere of another planet: jet streams on Jupiter.
the exhaust of a jet or rocket engine.
Origin of jet stream
First recorded in 1945–50
Words nearby jet stream
jet pipe,
jet plane,
jet propulsion,
jet set,
jet ski,
jet stream,
jet wash,
jet-black,
jet-enamelled ware,
jet-hop,
jet-propelled
British Dictionary definitions for jet stream
jet stream
noun
meteorol
a narrow belt of high-altitude winds (about 12 000 metres high) moving east at high speeds and having an important effect on frontogenesis
the jet of exhaust gases produced by a gas turbine, rocket motor, etc
Scientific definitions for jet stream
jet stream
A narrow current of strong wind circling the Earth from west to east at altitudes of about 11 to 13 km (7 to 8 mi) above sea level. There are usually four distinct jet streams, two each in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Jet stream wind speeds average 56 km (34 mi) per hour in the summer and 120 km (74 mi) in the winter. They are caused by significant differences in the temperatures of adjacent air masses. These differences occur where cold, polar air meets warmer, equatorial air, especially in the latitudes of the westerlies.
Cultural definitions for jet stream
jet stream
A narrow band of swiftly moving air found at very high altitudes.
notes for jet stream
Movements of the jet stream have important (but generally short-lived) effects on
weather patterns.
notes for jet stream
Travel time in an airplane can be lengthened or shortened by the jet stream, depending on the direction of flight and the strength of the stream.