Definition

A measure of how cold it feels outside when the wind is blowing, based on the temperature and wind speed.

Example

The windchill made it feel much colder than the actual temperature.

Conversation

Did you feel that windchill when we went outside earlier?

Yeah, it was freezing! I didn’t expect it to feel that cold.

I know, right? The windchill made it feel much worse than the actual temperature.

Definitely! I should have worn a thicker jacket.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Windchill is formed from "wind" (from Old English "wind", meaning moving air) and "chill" (from Old English "ciele", meaning coldness). The term "windchill" refers to the perceived decrease in temperature felt by the body due to the flow of air, making it feel colder than the actual air temperature.

Memory Tip

Think of 'moving air' ('wind') making you feel 'colder' ('chill') — that's why windchill describes how cold it feels when the wind blows.

Visually Confused Words