cyclonic
|cy-clon-ic|
🇺🇸
/saɪˈklɑnɪk/
🇬🇧
/saɪˈklɒnɪk/
like a rotating storm
Etymology
'cyclonic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'kyklon', where the root 'kykl-' meant 'circle' or 'to turn'.
'cyclonic' developed from the modern English noun 'cyclone' (coined in the 19th century), which itself was derived from Greek 'kyklon' via New Latin/modern scientific usage; the adjective 'cyclonic' was formed from 'cyclone' to describe related phenomena.
Initially the root referred to 'a turning or circle'; over time it came to denote a specific type of large rotating storm ('cyclone') and the adjective now means 'relating to or resembling a cyclone.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of a cyclone (a large rotating storm) — used in meteorology to describe winds, circulation, or conditions associated with cyclones.
The coastal region experienced cyclonic winds that uprooted trees and damaged buildings.
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Adjective 2
having a rotating or swirling motion reminiscent of a cyclone; used figuratively for very turbulent or violently rotating systems.
Satellite images revealed cyclonic circulation in the planet's atmosphere.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/20 05:41