Question

spindrift noun "Spindrift" first set sail in the mid-18th century under Scottish command. During its first voyage, it was known by the Scottish moniker "speendrift." "Speen" meant "to drive before a strong wind," so a "speendrift" was a drift of spray during such action. In 1823, English speakers recruited the word, but signed it up as "spindrift." At that time, its sole duty was to describe the driving sprays at sea. However, English speakers soon realized that "spindrift" had potential to serve on land as well, and the word was sent ashore to describe driving snow and sand. Today, "spindrift" still serves us commendably at sea and on land. 1 : sea spray; especially : spray blown from waves during a gale2 : fine wind-borne snow or sand

Accepted Answer

October 6, 2009 SPIN-drift "The winds around the mountain were fierce and a long white plume of spindrift trailed from the summit." (Michael Palin, [London] Sunday Times, September 26, 2004)

Word	spindrift
Date	October 6, 2009
Type	noun
Syllables	SPIN-drift
Etymology	"Spindrift" first set sail in the mid-18th century under Scottish command. During its first voyage, it was known by the Scottish moniker "speendrift." "Speen" meant "to drive before a strong wind," so a "speendrift" was a drift of spray during such action. In 1823, English speakers recruited the word, but signed it up as "spindrift." At that time, its sole duty was to describe the driving sprays at sea. However, English speakers soon realized that "spindrift" had potential to serve on land as well, and the word was sent ashore to describe driving snow and sand. Today, "spindrift" still serves us commendably at sea and on land.
Examples	"The winds around the mountain were fierce and a long white plume of spindrift trailed from the summit." (Michael Palin, [London] Sunday Times, September 26, 2004)
Definition	1 : sea spray; especially : spray blown from waves during a gale 2 : fine wind-borne snow or sand

Spindrift Scottish Spray English Speakers Describe Driving Snow