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dust devil
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dust devil
dust devil Dust devil in the Mojave Desert.

dust devil

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Also known as: sand devil
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Also called:
sand devil
Related Topics:
whirlwind
dust
dust storm

dust devil, small, brief whirlwind occurring most frequently in the early afternoon when a land surface is heating rapidly. Dust devils are occasionally made visible by the lofting of dust, leaves, or other loose matter from the surface. See also whirlwind.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.