Definition

A warm wind that comes from the sea or mountains, often bringing moisture and causing temperature changes.

Example

The chinook wind warmed the valley, melting the snow quickly.

Conversation

Have you ever experienced a chinook wind before?

Yeah, I remember it being super warm out of nowhere!

It's amazing how quickly the temperature can change with a chinook.

I know! It's like summer suddenly arrives in the middle of winter.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chinook originates from the Chinook language, a Native American language spoken by the Chinook people of the Pacific Northwest. The term refers to a type of warm wind that blows down the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, as well as a salmon species native to the region.

Memory Tip

Think of the Chinook people and their language, which gives the name to a warm wind and a type of salmon, helping you remember that 'chinook' relates to these natural elements.

Visually Confused Words