Nor'easter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nor'easter

[nษ”rหˆiหstษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

weather phenomenon

A nor'easter is a type of storm characterized by strong northeast winds, typically occurring along the East Coast of the United States. These storms can bring heavy rain, snow, and strong coastal winds, and are particularly common in the winter months.

Synonyms

blizzard, storm, tempest.

Examples of usage

  • The nor'easter dumped several feet of snow in the region.
  • Residents were warned about the severe winds associated with the nor'easter.
  • Travel was severely disrupted due to the nor'easter that hit the coast.
  • This nor'easter could cause significant flooding in low-lying areas.
  • Meteorologists are tracking a developing nor'easter that may impact the weekend.

Translations

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Origin of 'nor'easter'

The term 'nor'easter' originated from a combination of 'northeast', referring to the direction of the wind, and 'easter', a colloquial term used predominantly by those living in the northeastern U.S. The concept of nor'easters dates back to the early maritime history of America, where sailors used the term to describe storms that approached from the northeastern direction. These storms were particularly significant for shipping routes along the East Coast. The phenomenon became more formally recognized in the meteorological community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as weather forecasting improved. By the 1930s, the term was well-established in everyday language, especially among residents affected by the storms. Nor'easters are now studied extensively due to their often devastating impacts on coastal communities, bringing heavy precipitation, strong winds, and coastal erosion.