wind shear
[ wind ]
/ wɪnd /
noun
the rate at which wind velocity changes from point to point in a given direction.
a condition, dangerous to aircraft, in which the speed or direction of the wind changes abruptly.
Compare
microburst.
Origin of wind shear
First recorded in 1940–45
Words nearby wind shear
wind sail,
wind scale,
wind scorpion,
wind shaft,
wind shake,
wind shear,
wind shelf,
wind ship,
wind sprint,
wind surge,
wind tee
British Dictionary definitions for wind shear
wind shear
/ (wɪnd) /
noun
stress on an aircraft in an area in which winds of different speeds and directions are close together
Scientific definitions for wind shear
wind shear
A change in wind direction and speed between slightly different altitudes, especially a sudden downdraft. Depending on its scale, wind shear can cause a variety of effects, from minor turbulence to tornadoes. Wind shear caused by interactions between oceanic and atmospheric winds can be so strong that it can dissipate hurricanes. See also shear force.