blizzard

noun blee-ZAR Rare

Origin: English blizzard, origin uncertain

Usage Note

Le blizzard is a direct loanword from English and refers to a severe snowstorm with strong winds and reduced visibility, used in French meteorological reporting. It is distinct from tempête de neige (snowstorm) in implying extreme wind chill and whiteout conditions. The word is most commonly encountered in news coverage of North American or Arctic weather events.

Examples

"Un blizzard violent a frappé la région."

Natural Translation

A violent blizzard hit the region.

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