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bize

bize

9.9
A cold dry north wind that blows in southeastern France, especially the Rhone valley
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : bise
  • During winter, the persistent bize can last for days, bringing clear skies and a biting chill.

Examples

  • The bize swept through the village, making the air feel much colder than the temperature suggested.

  • Farmers worry when a strong bize descends, as it can damage delicate crops in the fields.

  • The bize swept through the valley yesterday.

  • Many people dislike the bize because it is so cold.

  • During winter, the persistent bize can last for days, bringing clear skies and a biting chill.

  • Farmers worry when a strong bize descends, as it can damage delicate crops in the fields.

  • The bize swept through the village, making the air feel much colder than the temperature suggested.

Synonyms

north wind
vsbize
3 1.6

A wind that blows from the north toward the south

is specific to one dry cold wind in southeastern France
mistral
vsbize
1 9.9

A strong cold wind from southern France that blows into the Mediterranean in winter

is centered on the Rhone valley and blows more directly from the north
norther
vsbize
  • US
1 8.7

A strong cold wind that blows from the north

is a named regional valley wind rather than any strong northern blast
bise
vsbize
9.9

A cold, dry north wind that blows in southeastern France and nearby areas

is identical in meaning but spelled differently
tramontane
vsbize
  • Archaic
9.9

A cold dry wind that blows from mountains into Italy and the western Mediterranean

is a valley north wind, not primarily a mountain outflow
tramontana
vsbize
9.9

A cold dry wind from mountains that blows into Italy and the western Mediterranean

is focused on a single French valley rather than mountain-origin winds
bora
vsbize
  • UK
9.5

A strong cold wind from the north or northeast that blows along coasts

is specific to southeastern France's valley wind, not Adriatic coastal winds

Surface Forms

bize singular
bizes plural

Etymology

Bize comes from the French word bise, the local name for a cold, dry 'north wind' in southeastern France and the Rhone valley. A helpful way to remember bize is to imagine a wind that 'bites' your face—sharp and dry—which explains why the word means that cold, biting wind.