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williwaw

[ wil-ee-waw ]

noun

  1. a violent squall that blows in near-polar latitudes, as in the Strait of Magellan, Alaska, and the Aleutian Islands.


williwaw

/ ˈwɪlɪˌwɔː /

noun

  1. a sudden strong gust of cold wind blowing offshore from a mountainous coast, as in the Strait of Magellan
  2. a state of great turmoil
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of williwaw1

First recorded in 1835–45; origin uncertain
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Word History and Origins

Origin of williwaw1

C19: of unknown origin
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Example Sentences

On the afternoon of the tenth day on the island the sky clouded up and Mr. Gibney predicted a williwaw.

A williwaw began in the hills ahead and swept out and set the ship to reeling crazily in its erratic currents.

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