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Glite Dictionary
line storm

line storm

9.9
A violent rainstorm that moves in a long line across land around the equinox
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : tormenta de línea
  • The region was battered by a line storm just as spring began.

Examples

  • Heavy winds and rain from the line storm caused widespread damage overnight.

  • As the line storm moved through the valley, residents braced for heavy rain and strong winds.

  • Farmers prepared for flooding as another line storm approached the area.

  • The line storm caused significant damage to the crops.

  • We experienced a severe line storm last night.

  • The line storm that swept in unexpectedly brought torrential downpours and lightning strikes.

  • Following the line storm, many homes in the area were left without power due to fallen trees.

Synonyms

rainstorm
vsline storm
26 1.0

A short time when a lot of rain falls, often with strong wind

is more specific about equinox timing and an organized narrow-band movement
violent storm
vsline storm
  • Specialized
5 3.4

A very strong storm with high winds, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning

focuses on violent heavy rain near equinox rather than primarily wind strength
squall line
vsline storm
  • Specialized
1 7.9

A narrow line of strong storms that brings heavy rain and strong winds

is a violent heavy rain event tied to equinox rather than general thunderstorm bands
equinoctial storm
vsline storm
9.9

A strong rainstorm that happens around the spring or autumn equinox

is tied to equinox timing but also moves across region in a narrow band
line squall
vsline storm
  • Specialized
8.8

A long line of sudden, strong storms that moves along a weather front

happens near equinox and focuses on violent heavy rain rather than frontal movement
temporale
vsline storm
9.9

A sudden strong storm with heavy rain and thunder

is specific to equinox timing and often shows organized linear movement

How Widespread

line storm
  • Specialized
9.9
thunderstorm
73 1.0
shower
162 1.0

Surface Forms

line storm singular
line storms plural

Morphology

line + storm

The phrase is largely compositional: a B1 learner who knows 'line' (a straight formation) and 'storm' (severe weather) can infer a storm that takes a linear form. However, the specific meteorological nuance (timing near an equinox and technical usage) is specialized and not predictable from the words alone, so the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Line storm may come from the image of a long row of dark clouds across the sky, where line means a long row and storm means heavy rain and wind. That's why 'line storm' means a violent storm that moves across an area in a line.