The word "windless" is spelled with five letters, but it can sometimes be tricky to pronounce correctly. The first syllable is pronounced with an /ɪ/ sound, like the word "pin," while the second syllable uses a short /ɛ/ sound, like "dress." The final syllable features the tricky English sound /s/ which can be pronounced either as /s/ or /z/ depending on the context. So, the proper pronunciation is /ˈwɪn.dlɛs/ with a silent "d" in the second syllable.
Windless is an adjective that describes a weather condition characterized by the absence or lack of wind. It refers to a calm or still atmosphere with no movement of air or a complete absence of any breeze. When the wind is absent, the air remains motionless, resulting in a windless environment. In this state, there is no perceptible movement of the air, and the absence of wind can be felt on the skin.
Windless conditions can occur in various settings, such as in coastal areas shielded from prevailing winds or during a period of atmospheric stability. It can also occur in enclosed spaces, such as buildings or caves, where air movement is negligible or nonexistent.
In a windless environment, natural phenomena that are usually influenced by wind, such as the swaying of trees or the rustling of leaves, are absent. Activities like sailing, kite-flying, or wind-powered sports and hobbies become challenging, if not impossible, during windless conditions.
The term "windless" is often used to describe a calm and tranquil atmosphere, devoid of any disturbance caused by the movement of air. It can evoke a sense of stillness, peace, and serenity, making it an apt description for an environment or situation where there is an absence of wind.
Wanting wind; out of breath.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "windless" is formed by combining the noun "wind" with the suffix "-less".
The noun "wind" derives from the Old English word "wind" or "windan", which originally meant "movement of air" or "breath". This word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic language, where it was referred to as "winda". The Proto-Germanic term likely originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*we-nt-", meaning "blow".
The suffix "-less" comes from the Old English "-leas" or "-lēas", which indicates the absence or lack of something. It has evolved from the Proto-Germanic "-laisaz" and the Proto-Indo-European "-losos".
Therefore, when these two parts are combined, "windless" represents the absence or lack of wind.