badgir
|bad-gir|
🇺🇸
/bɑːdˈɡiːr/
🇬🇧
/bɑːdˈɡɪə/
wind catcher (architectural device)
Etymology
'badgir' originates from Persian, specifically the word 'بادگیر' (bâdgir), where 'bâd' meant 'wind' and 'gir' meant 'catcher' or 'holder'.
'badgir' entered English as a borrowing from Persian (through architectural and travel literature) retaining the original form 'bâdgir' and becoming the modern English 'badgir'.
Initially it meant 'wind-catcher' in Persian; in English it has retained this technical architectural meaning as a device for passive cooling and ventilation.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a traditional Persian architectural feature — a tall tower or rooftop structure designed to catch and direct wind into a building for natural cooling and ventilation (also called a windcatcher or windtower).
The house had a tall badgir that funneled cool air into the central courtyard during summer.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an architectural ventilation device generally used in arid or hot climates to provide passive cooling.
Restorers uncovered an ancient badgir on the roof that once supplied air to the whole building.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/30 04:16