spindrift

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The Word of the Day for December 20 is:

spindrift   \SPIN-drift\   noun
     1 : sea spray; especially : spray blown from waves during 
a gale 
    *2 : fine wind-borne snow or sand 

Example sentence:
     "The winds around the mountain were fierce and a long 
white plume of spindrift trailed from the summit." (Michael 
Palin, _Sunday Times_ (London), September 26, 2004)

Did you know?
     "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.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.