coriolis effect: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “coriolis effect” mean?
The apparent deflection of moving objects (such as air, water, or ballistic projectiles) when viewed from a rotating reference frame, such as the Earth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The apparent deflection of moving objects (such as air, water, or ballistic projectiles) when viewed from a rotating reference frame, such as the Earth.
In meteorology and oceanography, the effect that causes large-scale weather systems (like hurricanes) and ocean currents to rotate clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; both variants use the same term.
Connotations
Purely scientific/technical, with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to a larger volume of popular science media, but the term is equally standard in both.
Grammar
How to Use “coriolis effect” in a Sentence
The Coriolis effect [verbs: causes, deflects, influences, explains] + [noun phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coriolis effect” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Coriolis-induced deflection
American English
- Coriolis-induced deflection
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in general business contexts.
Academic
Core term in physics, meteorology, oceanography, and engineering courses.
Everyday
Rarely used; may appear in explanations of why hurricanes spin or why long-range artillery must correct its aim.
Technical
Precise term used in scientific papers, flight navigation, ballistics, and fluid dynamics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coriolis effect”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coriolis effect”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coriolis effect”
- Spelling: 'Corriolis', 'Corialis'.
- Capitalization: writing 'coriolis effect' in lowercase.
- Misattribution: claiming it determines the direction of water draining in sinks (a common myth).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this is a myth. The Coriolis effect is far too weak to influence small-scale systems like sinks or bathtubs; the drain direction is determined by the basin's shape and initial water motion.
It was described mathematically by French scientist Gaspard-Gustave de Coriolis in 1835.
It is an inertial or fictitious force that appears in a rotating reference frame. It is not a fundamental force like gravity but is essential for accurate calculations within that frame.
Because the component of the Earth's rotation that causes the horizontal deflection is proportional to the sine of the latitude. The sine of 0° (the equator) is 0.
The apparent deflection of moving objects (such as air, water, or ballistic projectiles) when viewed from a rotating reference frame, such as the Earth.
Coriolis effect is usually technical/scientific in register.
Coriolis effect: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒr.iˈəʊ.lɪs ɪˈfekt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.iˈoʊ.lɪs əˈfekt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the Earth turning under a thrown ball – Coriolis EFFECTs the ball's path, making it seem to curve.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE EARTH IS A SPINNING PLATFORM (that twists the paths of things moving across it).
Practice
Quiz
What does the Coriolis effect primarily influence?