khamsin

/ˈkæm.sɪn/

KÆM · sɪn (2 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

A hot, dry wind, common in Egypt, Sudan and the Levant towards the end of March and April, which blows (for about 50 days each year) from the desert, bringing with it hot weather and sand / sandstorms.

Etymology

From Egyptian Arabic خَمْسِين (ḵamsīn, “fifty”); see khamaseen for more.

Example Sentences

"That second spring the khamseen was worse than I have ever known it before or since."