trade wind

See also: trade-wind

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Compound of trade (course, path (of running), from 14th c.) +‎ wind, because of their consistent linear direction. Associations with transatlantic trade are a later folk etymology.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈtɹeɪd ˈwɪnd/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɪnd

Noun

trade wind (plural trade winds)

  1. A steady wind that blows from east to west above and below the equator.
    Synonym: easterly
    Antonym: westerly
    They rode the trade winds going west.
    • 2008, Jimmy Cornell, World Cruising Routes, A&C Black, →ISBN, page 365:
      During the summer months, from November to April, the trade wind is less steady over large parts of the ocean.

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