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spindrift

noun
spin·​drift | \ ˈspin-ˌdrift How to pronounce spindrift (audio) \

Definition of spindrift

1 : sea spray especially : spray blown from waves during a gale
2 : fine wind-borne snow or sand
Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about spindrift

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Did You Know?

Spindrift first set sail in the mid-18th century under Scottish command. During its first voyage, it was known by the Scottish moniker "speendrift." Speen meant "to drive before a strong wind," so a "speendrift" was a drift of spray during such action. In 1823, English speakers recruited the word, but signed it up as "spindrift." At that time, its sole duty was to describe the driving sprays at sea. However, English speakers soon realized that "spindrift" had potential to serve on land as well, and the word was sent ashore to describe driving snow and sand. Today, "spindrift" still serves us commendably at sea and on land.

Examples of spindrift in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 A foot of new snow had fallen the night before, and spindrift whipped off La Meije, a sea of icy blue glaciers pocked by crevasses and cliffs unfurling down its flanks. — Kelley Mcmillan Manley, New York Times, "On These French Ski Slopes, You’re on Your Own," 20 Nov. 2016

First Known Use of spindrift

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for spindrift

alteration of Scots speendrift, from speen to drive before a strong wind + English drift

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