What does anticyclone mean?
An anticyclone is a large-scale weather system in which atmospheric pressure is higher at the center than in the surrounding regions, causing winds to spiral outward — clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Because air descends and diverges within an anticyclone, these systems are typically associated with calm, dry, and stable weather: clear skies, light winds, and settled conditions lasting days or even weeks. Meteorologists distinguish migratory anticyclones, which move with weather systems, from blocking highs, which stall over a region and deflect storms elsewhere. While anticyclones often bring pleasant conditions, they can also produce extremes: prolonged heatwaves in summer or, in winter, temperature inversions that trap cold air, fog, and pollutants near the ground. The term belongs chiefly to meteorology and serious weather commentary, and it contrasts directly with the cyclone, its low-pressure counterpart. Understanding anticyclones is essential to interpreting forecasts of extended fair weather or stagnant air.
nounA system of winds that spirals outward from a region of high atmospheric pressure, rotating clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Anticyclones are typically associated with calm, dry, and settled weather.
- A high-pressure weather system with outward-spiraling winds, clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, generally producing calm, dry conditions.
"A persistent anticyclone over the region brought two weeks of clear, cloudless skies."
"Meteorologists attributed the heatwave to a stubborn anticyclone parked over western Europe."
"In winter, a strong anticyclone can trap cold air near the surface, leading to frosty mornings and fog."
Standard plural; used when discussing multiple high-pressure systems, e.g. across regions or over time.
"Both summer heatwaves were driven by persistent anticyclones over the continent."
The word 'anticyclone' was coined in the 19th century simply by adding 'anti-' to 'cyclone' — but far from being a storm's evil twin, it's usually the bringer of calm, sunny weather.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anticyclone
The word 'anticyclone' was coined in the 19th century during the development of modern meteorology, formed by prefixing the Greek-derived 'anti-' ('against, opposite') to 'cyclone', which itself comes from the Greek 'kyklon', derived from 'kyklos' meaning 'wheel' or 'circle'. The coinage reflects the fact that an anticyclone's wind circulation is opposite in direction to that of a cyclone. It shares this Greek root with words such as 'cyclone', 'cycle', and 'bicycle'.
Related word forms
How anticyclone is actually used
Anticyclone is a technical term used mainly in meteorology, weather reporting, and educated discussion of climate; it is rarely heard in casual conversation. It carries no strong connotation — it can describe both pleasant settled spells and stagnant conditions such as heatwaves or pollution-trapping temperature inversions.
Easily confused with anticyclone
A cyclone is a low-pressure system with inward-spiraling winds often bringing storms, whereas an anticyclone is a high-pressure system with outward-spiraling winds bringing calm, settled weather.