Typhoon: meaning, definitions and examples

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typhoon

 

[taษชหˆfuหn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

natural disaster

A typhoon is a tropical cyclone that occurs in the western Pacific Ocean and is equivalent to a hurricane in the Atlantic. Typhoons are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, often causing significant damage to coastal areas.

Synonyms

hurricane, storm, tropical cyclone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
typhoon

Used to describe a tropical cyclone in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Common in East Asia regions like Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

  • The typhoon is expected to make landfall in Japan by the weekend.
  • Residents are preparing for the upcoming typhoon by stocking up on supplies.
tropical cyclone

A general term used by meteorologists to describe a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, strong winds, and heavy rain. Used globally.

  • The tropical cyclone formed quickly and moved toward the coast.
  • Scientists are studying the patterns of tropical cyclones to improve forecasting.
hurricane

Used to describe a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic Ocean and Northeastern Pacific Ocean. Common in the United States, Caribbean, and Central America.

  • The hurricane caused widespread damage along the Gulf Coast.
  • Authorities have issued a hurricane warning for the southeastern states.
storm

A general term for any disturbed state of the atmosphere, especially affecting the Earth's surface and strongly implying severe weather. It can refer to heavy rain, thunderstorms, snowstorms, etc.

  • The storm last night knocked out power to many homes.
  • We had to cancel our plans due to the approaching storm.

Examples of usage

  • Residents were evacuated as the typhoon approached the coast.
  • The typhoon caused widespread flooding in the region.
  • The government issued a warning about the approaching typhoon.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'typhoon' comes from the Chinese term 'tai fung,' meaning 'great wind.'
  • It also has roots in the Arabic word 'แนญลซfฤn,' which means 'storm' or 'deluge.'
  • It originally referred to storms in the Western Pacific but has evolved to describe similar storms in other regions.

Science

  • Typhoons are classified as tropical cyclones and can develop into incredibly powerful storms, reaching wind speeds of over 150 miles per hour.
  • The Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, helps these storms to form a spiral shape.
  • They draw energy from warm ocean waters, and the intensity of the storm can increase if water temperatures are high.

Historical Impact

  • In 1970, a devastating typhoon in Bangladesh caused widespread destruction and loss of life, prompting improvements in disaster preparedness.
  • Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 was one of the strongest recorded storms, causing catastrophic damage in the Philippines and leading to international relief efforts.
  • Historically, many regions in Asia, particularly Japan and the Philippines, have faced typhoons, influencing local cultures and architecture designed to withstand them.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Typhoon' from the early 2000s portray the fear and destruction caused by these powerful storms.
  • In the video game 'Animal Crossing,' players can experience in-game typhoons affecting their island environment.
  • Typhoons often appear in literature to symbolize turmoil and chaos, reflecting the emotional states of characters.

Preparedness and Safety

  • Over the years, advancements in meteorology have led to better forecasting of typhoons, helping people prepare and evacuate if necessary.
  • Many countries have established extensive early warning systems to alert communities at risk from severe storms.
  • Building codes in typhoon-prone areas often include reinforced structures to withstand heavy winds and flooding.

Translations

Translations of the word "typhoon" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tufรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคคเฅ‚เคซเคผเคพเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Taifun

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ topan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะฐะนั„ัƒะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tajfun

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฐ้ขจ (ใŸใ„ใตใ†)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท typhon

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tifรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tayfun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํƒœํ’ (taepung)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฅุนุตุงุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tajfun

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tajfรบn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฐ้ฃŽ (tรกifฤ“ng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tajfun

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fellibylur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐะนั„ัƒะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒแƒ˜แƒคแƒฃแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tayfun

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tifรณn

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,634, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.