A downward current or flow of air, especially one that brings cooler air down from the upper atmosphere or down a chimney.
Compound of 'down' and 'draught' (British spelling of draft). Formed in the 18th-19th century as meteorological and architectural understanding advanced and scientists needed terms for air currents.
Downdrafts were a mystery to ancient people—sudden gusts of wind blowing down from above seemed almost supernatural. Now we know they're created by rain-cooled air sinking rapidly, and meteorologists use 'downdraft' to predict dangerous weather phenomena and microbursts.
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