föhn
/fəːn
/(also foehn)
noun (often the föhn)
1A hot southerly wind on the northern slopes of the Alps.The Valais is sheltered by the alps and, like south east Switzerland, benefits particularly from the föhn....
- As for the foehn of yesterday there was enough ascent to condense out the humidity content and to produce a very dry, warm Föhn-storm north of the Alps.
1.1 (also föhn wind) Meteorology A warm dry southerly wind developing in the lee of any mountain range.In addition, foehn winds, warm dry winds coming off the lee slopes of a mountain range, heated the basin....
- Foehn events occurred with above-average frequency and high diversity.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from German, based on Latin (ventus) Favonius 'mild west wind', Favonius being the Roman personification of the west or west wind.