squall

Meanings

Noun

• A squall line, multicell line, or part of a squall line.
• A sudden storm, as found in a squall line.
• A loud cry or wail.

Verb

• To cry or wail loudly.

Origin

• From Middle English *squalen and squelen, from Old Norse skvala, probably ultimately imitative with influence from squeal and bawl.
• Cognate with Swedish skvala, Norwegian skval. The noun is probably from the verb.