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Glite Dictionary
downdraft

downdraft

5 7.1
A sudden strong downward rush of air, often near storms or in chimneys
  • noun
  • /ˈdaʊnˌdræft/
  • Specialized
translation icon : corriente descendente
  • A Viking downdraft displays the best of upscale kitchen engineering, with variable fan speeds for different cooking situations.
  • cold downdraft
  • downdraft of cold air
  • hit a downdraft

The CPU downdraft fan is going to pull some air in through here for sure.

Examples

  • Scientists believe that a downdraft wrapping around the rear of the supercell is critical to bringing the rotation to the ground and that the temperature of the downdraft might determine whether the storm merely produces strong winds or a monster tornado.

    Tornado Alley (2011)

  • We planned for pennies falling through still air, but the helicopter creates a huge downdraft to support its weight.

  • The CPU downdraft fan is going to pull some air in through here for sure.

    Gamers Nexus

  • Well, despite a downdraft in the bond market, stocks were able to post a rally on Friday, thanks to a couple of different factors.

    Child's Play 3 (1991)

  • We're experiencing some rough air, encountering some severe downdrafts.

    Flight (2012)

  • The blizzards that daunted early explorers arise because cold air cascades from the high ice plateaus in vicious downdrafts that drive drifting snow before them.

    Academic text (1990)

  • As the storm intensified, a strong downdraft caused debris to be blown downward, creating hazardous conditions.

  • The pilot warned the passengers about the rough flight due to the sudden downdraft affecting their altitude.

  • During the thunderstorm, we could feel the powerful downdraft pulling everything toward the ground.

Synonyms

downrush
vsdowndraft
8.4

A sudden strong downward flow of air or water

is a strong steady downward air current rather than a sudden burst
katabatic wind
vsdowndraft
  • Specialized
9.6

A cold wind that moves down a mountain slope

is a general strong downward air current not limited to slopes
downwash
vsdowndraft
  • Specialized
7.3

A strong downward flow of air made by a helicopter or plane when it flies

is natural or building related strong downward air current not caused by aircraft
downflow
vsdowndraft
  • Specialized
4.5

Makes air or liquid move downward

is specifically a strong downward air current, not any liquid or system flow

Antonyms

updraft
  • Specialized
7 7.2

A strong upward movement of air that carries birds or gliders higher

How Strong

downdraft
  • Specialized
5 7.1
downwash
  • Specialized
7.3
airflow
13 3.5
breeze
201 1.0

Surface Forms

downdraft singular
downdrafts plural

Morphology

downdraft = draft (transparent) = down + draft

The meaning 'a downward current of air' is a direct combination of 'down' + 'draft' and is easily inferable by learners. [Postprocessing: moved 'down' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

Downdraft is simply down + draft, where down means 'toward the ground' and draft is an old word for 'a current of air', as in a 'drafty' room. So a downdraft is a strong current of air moving down, which explains its modern meaning.