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Sirocco Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sirocco

[sɪˈrɒkoʊ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

weather phenomenon

Sirocco is a warm, sultry wind blowing from the Sahara into southern Europe. It is characterized by its heat and dryness, causing increases in temperature and humidity. This wind can carry dust and sand across long distances, creating hazy conditions in its wake. Sirocco winds can impact weather patterns and contribute to desertification in affected areas.

Synonyms

desert wind, hot wind.

Examples of usage

  • The sirocco blew in from the desert, making the day uncomfortably hot.
  • Farmers reported changes in their crops due to the sirocco's effects.
  • A sirocco can often precede a storm, bringing sudden shifts in weather.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • This wind primarily affects countries around the Mediterranean, such as Italy, Malta, and Greece.
  • When it travels over the sea, it can pick up moisture, leading to sudden rainfall in typically dry areas.
  • Sirocco can travel over 1,000 miles, bringing desert heat to places far from its origin.

Climate Impact

  • The warm air can cause temperature spikes in coastal cities, sometimes reaching over 30°C (86°F).
  • It often carries dust and sand particles, leading to hazy skies and affecting air quality.
  • Sirocco can also influence local ecosystems, as its heat and dryness can stress plant life.

Cultural Significance

  • In Mediterranean culture, sirocco is both feared and revered; it can disrupt daily life yet also bring needed rain to desiccated areas.
  • Many poets and artists have used the sirocco as a metaphor for change or turmoil in their work.
  • It plays a role in regional folk tales, often embodying the capricious nature of weather.

Different Names

  • In other languages, sirocco is known as 'siroco' in Spanish and 'scirocco' in Italian, but the meaning remains the same.
  • In North Africa, it's sometimes called 'khamsin' in Egypt when it occurs as a hot wind, especially in spring.
  • Similar winds exist worldwide with different names, such as the 'Chinook' in the Rocky Mountains, which brings warmth in winter.

Origin of 'sirocco'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sirocco' comes from the Arabic word 'sharq,' meaning 'east,' because it blows from the east in North Africa.
  • In medieval times, the term was adopted into Italian as 'scirocco,' reflecting its influence on the region's weather.
  • Sirocco has been used in literature to describe both the physical wind and its emotional impact on people.

The word 'sirocco' comes from the Arabic word 'sharq', meaning 'east', as the wind typically originates from the east in the Mediterranean region. It first entered the English language in the early 17th century, with early citations referring to its effects on the weather in southern Europe, particularly in Italy and Malta. The sirocco is noted for its ability to transport fine sand particles across the sea, leading to visibility issues and respiratory problems in some contexts. The phenomenon has been documented in various cultures for centuries, highlighting its significance in agriculture, maritime navigation, and climate discussions, particularly regarding its influence on health and natural environments.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,646, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.