The word "gust" (ɡʌst) is a common English term that refers to a sudden, strong burst of wind. It is spelled with the letter "g" followed by the letters "u" and "s," and pronounced with a short vowel sound in the first syllable. This spelling follows the typical English orthographic convention of using "u" to represent the "uh" (ʌ) sound. The final "s" serves to mark the plural form of the noun "gust" and to signal the third-person singular present tense of the verb "gust."
A gust is a strong and sudden rush or burst of wind. It is a short-lived, forceful current of air that moves swiftly and forcefully in a specific direction. Typically, gusts occur during stormy weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or thunderstorms. They can be highly unpredictable and vary greatly in intensity, with some gusts being relatively gentle while others can reach significant speeds.
Gusts are often characterized by their turbulent and gusty nature. They can cause sudden shifts in wind direction and create noticeable changes in atmospheric pressure. Due to their suddenness, gusts can catch people off guard and may affect their balance or ability to move easily. Furthermore, strong gusts can also have the potential to cause damage to structures, loose objects, and vegetation.
Gusts are commonly measured using anemometers, which gauge the speed and intensity of the wind. Meteorologists often report gusts in weather forecasts to inform the public about potential hazards and the overall strength of the wind.
While gusts primarily refer to wind phenomena, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe sudden surges or bursts of other elements, such as emotions or activities. In this sense, a gust can signify an abrupt and powerful outpouring or surge of something, similar to how a gust of wind represents a sudden and forceful burst of air.
• Taste; relish.
• A sudden blast of wind; a sudden violent burst of passion.
• Sense of tasting; relish; intellectual taste.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "gust" originated from Middle English, derived from the Old Norse word "gustr" meaning a gust or blast of wind. It was later adopted in other Germanic languages such as Old High German "kust" and Middle Dutch "gust". The ultimate origin of the word is uncertain, but it may be related to the Proto-Germanic root "*geusaną" which means "to gust" or "to blow".