A Gust Is a Sudden Brief Increase in Wind
A gust is a short burst of wind. Meteorologists define it by how much it exceeds the steady speed.
A gust is a sudden brief increase in wind speed. Forecasters use it precisely: a gust is reported when the peak speed exceeds the sustained wind by a set margin, usually about ten knots, and lasts under twenty seconds. Gusts matter more than average wind for damage, because structures fail to peaks rather than to averages. A separate *gust* means a keen enjoyment of taste, from Latin *gustus*, which gives *gusto* and *disgust*.
- A wind burst. *A sudden gust.*
- A burst of emotion. *A gust of laughter.*
- Taste (archaic). *Gustus.*
- Gusto — keen enjoyment. *With gusto.*
- Old Norse — *gustr*. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | gust | A gust. |
| Plural | gusts | Gusts. |
| Verb | gust | Gusting. |
| Adjective | gusty | Gusty. |
| Old Norse | gustr | A gust. |
- A gust took the umbrella.Wind.
- Winds gusting to fifty knots.Forecast.
- Gusto is a different root.Etymology.
Why gusts matter more than averages
- Structures fail to peak loads, not to average ones
- A gust can be half again the sustained wind speed
- Forecasts report both for exactly that reason
- Aircraft take-off limits are set by gusts, not averages
- Wind turbines shut down on gust thresholds
Old Norse *gustr*, a blast of wind. The sense of taste is Latin *gustus*, a separate word.
How is a gust defined?
As a peak wind speed exceeding the sustained wind by a set margin, usually about ten knots, and lasting under twenty seconds.
Is gusto related to gust?
No. Gusto comes from Latin gustus, meaning taste, and is a separate word that happens to look similar.