rain shadow
noun Meteorology.
a region in the lee of mountains that receives less rainfall than the region windward of the mountains.
Origin of rain shadow
First recorded in 1900–05
Words nearby rain shadow
rain frog,
rain gauge,
rain on one's parade,
rain or shine,
rain out,
rain shadow,
rain shower,
rain tree,
rainband,
rainbird,
rainbow
British Dictionary definitions for rain shadow
rain shadow
noun
the relatively dry area on the leeward side of high ground in the path of rain-bearing winds
Scientific definitions for rain shadow
rain shadow
An area having relatively little precipitation due to the effect of a topographic barrier, especially a mountain range, that causes the prevailing winds to lose their moisture on the windward side, causing the leeward side to be dry.