Flurries Meaning: Definition and Examples
❄️
flurries
[ˈflərēz ]
Definition
weather phenomenon
Flurries refer to light, brief bursts of snow that fall from the sky. They are typically characterized by small snowflakes and do not accumulate significantly on the ground. Flurries can occur intermittently during winter storms or on their own.
Synonyms
flakes, snow, snowflakes.
Examples of usage
- The weather forecast predicts light flurries this afternoon.
- We saw flurries dance around outside as we drank our hot chocolate.
- The children were thrilled to see snow flurries outside their classroom.
Interesting Facts
Weather Phenomena
- Flurries happen when a small amount of snowfall is spread out over a wide area but isn’t strong enough to create a lot of snow on the ground.
- They can occur even when it’s not very cold, as they often happen when moist air rises and cools quickly.
- Snow flurries are often accompanied by windy conditions, which can make the snow swirl and dance in the air.
Cultural References
- In literature and movies, flurries often symbolize a magical moment or the beginning of winter adventures.
- Flurries can be a metaphor for fleeting moments in life, beautiful but over quickly, just like a fleeting thought or memory.
- Many holiday songs mention snow, using flurries as a backdrop for festive celebrations.
Science of Snow
- Flurries form when specific atmospheric conditions create light precipitation from clouds, often making it hard to predict exactly when they’ll happen.
- The shape and size of individual snowflakes can vary based on temperature and humidity, which contributes to the beauty seen during flurries.
- Snow flurries can play a key role in the water cycle by contributing to the layer of snow that melts and replenishes rivers and lakes in spring.
Regional Variations
- Different regions experience flurries in unique ways, with some areas that usually have mild winters seeing flurries as a novelty.
- In mountainous regions, flurries can lead to quick changes in visibility and weather, thus affecting outdoor activities substantially.
- Some parts of the world, like the Midwest in the USA, often have winter flurries that create the scenic beauty of snow-covered landscapes.
Origin of 'flurries'
The word 'flurry' comes from the early 19th century and is derived from the Old English word 'flory,' which means 'to flutter or to fly about.' It originally referred to a brief gust of wind, often associated with a sudden burst of activity or commotion. Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically describe quick falls of snow, reflecting the way snowflakes seem to swirl and flutter in the air when they are falling. The term captures the ephemeral and playful nature of snow flurries, as they can appear dramatically but often fade away quickly without leaving much of a trace. Today, it's commonly used in meteorology to describe light snow events.