sandstorm

[ sand-stawrm ]
/ ˈsændˌstɔrm /

noun

a windstorm, especially in a desert, that blows along great clouds of sand (distinguished from dust storm).

Origin of sandstorm

First recorded in 1765–75; sand + storm

Example sentences from the Web for sandstorm

British Dictionary definitions for sandstorm

sandstorm
/ (ˈsændˌstɔːm) /

noun

a strong wind that whips up clouds of sand, esp in a desert

Scientific definitions for sandstorm

sandstorm
[ săndstôrm′ ]

A strong wind that carries clouds of sand and dust through the air. Most of the particles in a sandstorm are between 0.08 and 1 mm (0.0032 and 0.04 inches) in size. Sandstorms usually are limited to within 3 m (10 ft) of the ground, rarely getting more than 15 m (49 ft) high. They develop in desert areas where loose sand can be stirred up by wind. Most sandstorms occur during the day when the Earth's surface heats up and dissipate at night as it cools.