downwind
UK: ˌdaʊnˈwɪnd | US: ˌdaʊnˈwɪnd
adv. / adj. in the direction the wind is blowing
adv. / adj. with the wind at one's back
The word "downwind" combines "down," from Old English dūne (meaning "from a higher to a lower position"), and "wind," from Old English wind (related to air movement). It emerged in the 16th century to describe movement or position aligned with the wind's direction, reflecting a practical nautical and meteorological term. The logic is straightforward: "down" implies following the wind's natural flow, while "wind" anchors the term in its environmental context.
The sailors adjusted their sails to travel downwind.
The smoke drifted downwind, away from the campsite.
Birds often fly downwind to conserve energy.
The scent of flowers carried downwind to the hikers.
The pilot positioned the plane downwind for a smoother landing.