Pronunciation: [spˈɪndɹɪfts] (IPA) 
The word "spindrifts" is spelled with an "s" and not a "c" because it comes from the Old Norse word "spenndrifi" which was borrowed into English with the "s" intact. The IPA phonetic transcription for "spindrifts" is /ˈspɪndrɪfts/ which breaks down to "spind" (/spɪnd/) meaning "to whirl or spin" and "rifts" (/rɪfts/) meaning "drifts or gusts of wind." Together, "spindrifts" refers to sea spray produced by the wind.
Spindrifts refer to the small, wind-blown droplets or spray that are formed when waves break against the surface of water. These spindrifts are typically made up of water particles that become airborne due to the force and impact of the breaking waves. The term is most commonly associated with the ocean, where the crashing waves generate spindrifts that are often seen as a mist or haze above the water's surface.
Spindrifts are characterized by their delicate, ethereal appearance as they are carried by the wind. They are usually seen in turbulent or stormy sea conditions, when the waves are higher and stronger. The droplets that form the spindrifts vary in size, ranging from tiny water particles to larger, more visible spray. Spindrifts can extend several meters above the water and are often visible from a distance.
The word "spindrifts" originated from the combination of two separate terms - "spin," referring to the rotational movement of the water droplets as they are whipped and carried by the wind, and "drift," signifying the way the particles are transported through the air. Spindrifts are not exclusive to the ocean and can be observed in other bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers, where similar wave dynamics occur.
The word "spindrifts" is derived from the combination of two separate terms, "spin" and "drift". Here's a breakdown of the etymology of each term:
1. "Spin": This word originally comes from the Old English term "spinnan", which means "to spin" or "to twist". It is also related to the Old High German word "spinnan" and the Gothic word "spinnan", both having the same meaning. Over time, "spin" evolved to refer to the act of rotating or twirling an object.
2. "Drift": This word has its roots in the Old Norse term "drift", meaning a "snowdrift" or "drift of snow". It is related to the Old English word "drift" and Old High German word "trift", both signifying "a driving or drifting".
