The word "sciroc" is a rare and often misspelled word, commonly confused with "sirocco", that refers to a hot wind from North Africa blowing across parts of the Mediterranean. The correct spelling of the word is "scirocco", pronounced /sɪˈrɒkəʊ/ or /sɪˈrɒkoʊ/. The word is derived from the Arabic word "sharq" meaning "east", and refers to the wind's easterly direction. So, the next time you encounter the word "scirocco", remember its Arabic root and its phonetic pronunciation.
See Sirocco.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sciroc" originates from the Italian language, where it is spelled "scirocco". It entered Italian from the Arabic language, specifically from the word "sharq" (شرق), meaning "east" or "eastern". The term "scirocco" refers to a warm and dry wind that blows from the southern or southeastern part of the Mediterranean region towards Italy and other countries in Europe. The word has been adopted by various languages, including English, with slight variations in spelling, such as "sciroc" or "sirocco".