noun
mistral
MIS-trul/ˈmɪstrəl/
A strong, cold northwesterly wind in southern France.
The cold mistral whips the pedestrian's clothing beside the Rhône in Avignon.
Etymology
The “master” image identifies this as the dominant wind. That name belongs to the strong, cold northerly wind blowing through southern France.
More examples
- A fierce mistral keeps us off the beach near Marseille.
- The shutters rattle as the mistral sweeps through the village.
- These thick stone walls offer shelter from winter mistrals.
Forms
mistral · mistrals
Similar words
- northwester
- Any wind from the northwest, not specifically in southern France.
- gale
- A very strong wind, regardless of direction, temperature, or region.