mistral

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmɪstr(ə)l, mɪˈstrɑːl/

noun

  • a strong cold north-westerly wind that blows through the Rhône valley and southern France towards the Mediterranean, mainly in winter.

Origin:

early 17th century: French, from Provençal, from Latin magistralis (ventus), literally 'master wind'