Downwind Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฌ๏ธ
downwind
[หdaสnหwษชnd ]
Definition
wind direction
Downwind refers to the direction in which the wind is blowing. It describes a location or movement that is in the direction of the wind's flow, making it significant in contexts like aviation, sailing, or outdoor activities.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The smoke drifted downwind from the fire.
- We decided to set up camp downwind of the river.
- The bird flew downwind to catch the breeze.
Translations
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Origin of 'downwind'
The term 'downwind' is a compound of 'down' and 'wind'. The word 'down' comes from Old English 'dลซn', meaning 'a hill', which is not directly related but represents a downward movement, while 'wind' originates from Old English 'wind', meaning 'air in motion'. The usage of 'downwind' dates back to the early 19th century, correlating to the growing importance of wind in navigation and sailing. In this compound form, 'downwind' captures the essence of directionality with respect to wind flow, becoming particularly relevant in activities where wind can significantly influence performance, such as aviation, sailing, and even sports like paragliding. Understanding downwind conditions is crucial for safety and strategy in these contexts.