11

I don't think we call it a wind, because it's not a wind if the air is hitting you, because the car is moving at a high speed. Is there a specific word for stagnant air (doesn't have to be stagnant since there can be a little wind in there too) that rushes into the car, because you are driving at a high speed?

2
  • 7
    on the highway, not in.
    – Lambie
    Mar 13, 2019 at 0:18
  • 3
    For boats and aircraft, where the distinction between 'air moving on its own' and 'vehicle moving relative to air' is important, this is called apparent (vs true) wind. For land vehicles the difference usually doesn't matter. Mar 13, 2019 at 5:25

1 Answer 1

14

In America, we call it wind. For example, there are song lyrics about riding in a car (or maybe on a motorcycle) with the "wind in my hair."

This is also part of why the front glass on an American car or motorcycle is called a "windshield".

2
  • 2
    And In many parts of the world, that windshield is called windscreen. Even outside America wind should do. Mar 13, 2019 at 6:38
  • If it's low velocity, we might call it a breeze; indeed, in French, a windshield is called pare-brise, "brise" being "breeze". But that's mincing; breeze is wind.
    – CCTO
    Dec 30, 2020 at 21:05

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .