leeward

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   situated on or toward the side sheltered from the wind

   The hikers camped on the leeward side of the ridge.

2. 2
   adv

   toward the direction in which the wind is blowing

   The damaged boat drifted leeward toward the rocks.

3. 3
   noun

   the direction downwind, or the side sheltered from the wind

   The crew smelled smoke coming from the leeward of the island.

Formed from lee ("the sheltered side") + -ward ("in the direction of"). Lee descends from Old English hleo ("shelter, protection"). Leeward therefore means away from the wind's source and toward the direction in which it blows, opposite windward.

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