harmattan

Meanings

• noun

  Saharan wind blowing from the northeast, bringing dust and dryness to the West African region during the dry season.

  - "Le harmattan souffle sur le Sahel pendant la saison sèche."
  - "The harmattan wind brings dust and dryness to West Africa during the dry season."

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Variants

List of all variants of harmattan that leads to same result
harmattan , harmattans

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

Derived from the name of the ancient Ghanaian kingdom of Harmattan, located in present-day northern Ghana and southern Burkina Faso.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The harmattan wind is responsible for the annual blooming of the Saffron tree in parts of West Africa.

2. The harmattan wind can cause significant health issues, including respiratory problems and eye irritation, particularly in urban areas.

3. The harmattan wind is also known as the 'Mistral du Sahel' in French-speaking countries.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Sahel: A region in Africa, south of the Sahara desert, characterized by a dry climate and arid conditions. The harmattan wind primarily affects this region.

2. Saharan Air Layer: A stable layer of dry air over the Sahara desert that prevents the upward movement of moisture during the dry season, contributing to the formation and strength of the harmattan wind.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

The harmattan wind is a significant cultural and historical phenomenon in West Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. It is often depicted in literature, music, and art as a symbol of the dry season and the transition between years.

How to Memorize "harmattan"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a strong, dusty wind blowing from the northeast over the dry savannas of West Africa during the dry season.
   - Visualize the harmattan wind as a powerful force that brings dryness and dust to the West African region.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the harmattan wind with the dry season and the transition between years.
   - Think of the harmattan wind as a symbol of the dry, dusty conditions that characterize the West African savanna during the dry season.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Remember HARMonattan as a wind that brings HARmony between the Sahara desert and West Africa.
   - Think of the HARd A sound in HARmattan to remember its HARsh and dry nature.

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