harmattan Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a dusty wind from the Sahara that blows toward the western coast of Africa during the winter

WordNet

Har*mat"tan noun
Etymology
F. harmattan, prob. of Arabic origin.
Definitions
  1. A dry, hot wind, prevailing on the Atlantic coast of Africa, in December, January, and February, blowing from the interior or Sahara. It is usually accompanied by a haze which obscures the sun.

Webster 1913