Definition

A warm and dry wind that blows down the slopes of mountains, particularly from the northern side of the Alps.

Example

The foehn caused the temperature to rise significantly in the valley.

Conversation

Have you ever felt a foehn wind while hiking?

Yeah, I have! It was surprisingly warm and nice.

Right? It really changes the whole experience on the mountain.

Definitely! It makes the climb so much more enjoyable.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'foehn' originates from the German word 'Föhn', which refers to a warm, dry wind that descends the leeward side of a mountain. The term is derived from the Latin 'favonius', meaning a gentle west wind. The word 'foehn' describes this specific meteorological phenomenon characterized by its warmth and dryness as it flows down the mountain slopes.

Memory Tip

Imagine a warm wind blowing down the mountains, bringing a gentle warmth — that's what 'foehn' means, derived from the idea of a gentle west wind.

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