cold front — the leading edge of a cold air mass that replaces warmer air
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the leading edge of a cold air mass that replaces warmer air
Pronunciation (IPA): /koʊld frʌnt/
Example Sentences
- The weatherman warned that a cold front would arrive just in time to ruin everyone's weekend barbecue plans.
- Meteorologists track cold fronts using satellite imagery and weather stations.
- The cold front swept through so quickly that temperatures dropped 20 degrees in just two hours.
cold front
NOUN[/koʊld frʌnt/]
the leading edge of a cold air mass that replaces warmer air
A massive cold front swept in, dropping temperatures within minutes.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A meteorological term coined by Norwegian meteorologists in the early 20th century, inspired by military terminology from World War I. The term describes the boundary where cold and warm air masses meet, which scientists likened to the front lines of battle.
Breakdown
cold (adjective, from Old English 'ceald') + front (noun, from Latin 'frons' meaning forehead or front). The compound metaphorically applies 'front' (battle front) to the atmospheric boundary between temperature-contrasting air masses.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The weatherman warned that a cold front would arrive just in time to ruin everyone's weekend barbecue plans.”
“Meteorologists track cold fronts using satellite imagery and weather stations.”
“The cold front swept through so quickly that temperatures dropped 20 degrees in just two hours.”
“My grandmother claims she can predict cold fronts better than any meteorologist just by watching her cat's behavior.”
📚Related Words
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