subtropical cyclone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “subtropical cyclone” mean?
A weather system with features of both tropical and extratropical cyclones, typically forming in subtropical latitudes with a broad wind field and sometimes a cloud-free center.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A weather system with features of both tropical and extratropical cyclones, typically forming in subtropical latitudes with a broad wind field and sometimes a cloud-free center.
In meteorology, a cyclone that derives energy from both the temperature contrast between air masses and latent heat release from thunderstorms. It often represents a transitional phase in a storm's life cycle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is used identically in professional meteorological communities in both regions.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no additional cultural or emotional connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard within meteorology in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “subtropical cyclone” in a Sentence
The subtropical cyclone VERBed (e.g., formed, moved).Meteorologists NOUNed (e.g., observed, classified) the subtropical cyclone.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subtropical cyclone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- subtropical-cyclone development
- subtropical-cyclone research
American English
- subtropical-cyclone formation
- subtropical-cyclone characteristics
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in insurance or logistics related to weather disruptions in subtropical regions.
Academic
Core term in meteorology, climatology, and atmospheric science papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in detailed weather reports or news about unusual storms.
Technical
Standard, precise classification for a specific type of cyclonic circulation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subtropical cyclone”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “subtropical cyclone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subtropical cyclone”
- Using 'subtropical cyclone' interchangeably with 'hurricane'.
- Assuming all cyclones in subtropical zones are 'subtropical cyclones' (some are fully tropical or extratropical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While a subtropical cyclone can sometimes strengthen into a hurricane (become a fully tropical cyclone), it is initially a hybrid system with a different structure and energy source.
They form in subtropical latitudes, generally between 20° and 35° north and south of the equator, often over cooler waters than those required for purely tropical development.
Yes. They can produce strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding, similar to tropical storms, and require monitoring and warnings from meteorological agencies.
An extratropical cyclone has a cold core and gets its energy primarily from temperature contrasts along weather fronts. A subtropical cyclone has a partially warm core and gets energy from both fronts and thunderstorms, placing it in a middle category.
A weather system with features of both tropical and extratropical cyclones, typically forming in subtropical latitudes with a broad wind field and sometimes a cloud-free center.
Subtropical cyclone is usually technical / scientific in register.
Subtropical cyclone: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbˈtrɒp.ɪ.kəl ˈsaɪ.kləʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbˈtrɑː.pɪ.kəl ˈsaɪ.kloʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SUB' (partly) + 'TROPICAL' + 'CYCLONE' = a cyclone that is partly, but not fully, tropical in nature.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STORM IS A HYBRID CREATURE (exhibiting traits of two different 'parent' storm types).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of a subtropical cyclone?