KHAMSIN

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 14 July 2011

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KHAMSIN  (n. pl. - S)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) a hot, dry, dusty wind in northern Africa, typically occurring in late winter and early spring

Useful information for game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: -S
• Anagrams: (none)
• Longer extensions: (none)
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: KAMSIN, KAMSEEN, KHAMSEEN
• Related Forms: (none)

Epilogue:
Today’s entry derives from an Arabic word meaning “fifty,” because the period during which the most oppressive KHAMSINS occur was believed to last approximately fifty days.  There are a lot of unusual words for various types of ferocious winds or windstorms.  Another one from Arabic is HABOOB (“a violent sandstorm”), which was in the news after a bad one blew through Phoenix, Arizona, recently.

This week’s theme: Words starting with the letter K

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