1. powerful downward currents of air that spread outward when they hit the ground, often causing severe wind damage
Usage: meteorology

Examples

• The airplane encountered dangerous downbursts during its approach to the airport.
• Meteorologists warned that severe thunderstorms could produce damaging downbursts.
• The forest showed clear signs of downburst damage with trees blown down in a radial pattern.
• Pilots are trained to recognize and avoid downbursts near airports.
• The weather service issued alerts about possible downbursts in the storm system.
• Downbursts can create wind speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour at ground level.