Cyclones

/ˈsaɪkloʊnz/ noun

Definition

Large-scale air masses that rotate around a center of low atmospheric pressure, including hurricanes and typhoons.

Etymology

From Greek 'kyklon' meaning 'moving in a circle,' from 'kyklos' (circle). Coined by British sea captain Henry Piddington in 1848.

Kelly Says

The same rotating system is called different names depending on location: hurricane (Atlantic), typhoon (Pacific), or cyclone (Indian Ocean).

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Cyclones were historically given predominantly female names (1950s–1970s) due to gender stereotypes linking femininity to destruction; naming practices reflected cultural assumptions that personified natural disasters as female.

Inclusive Usage

Use neutral naming conventions for cyclones; refer to storms by name, number, or region rather than gendered language.

Inclusive Alternatives

["cyclone [name/region]","tropical storm [designation]","Category [number] storm"]

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