Bourrasque

/bʊˈrɑːsk/ noun

Definition

A sudden, violent gust or squall of wind, or a sudden violent outburst; a sudden storm.

Etymology

From French bourrasque (gust of wind), possibly related to bour- (rough). The term traveled into English from French maritime vocabulary, appearing in naval and meteorological contexts.

Kelly Says

French maritime vocabulary shaped English naval terminology because Norman invaders controlled England's coasts—'port,' 'starboard,' and 'bourrasque' all travel through French doors into maritime English.

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