Chinook

1. A moist warm wind blowing from the sea in coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest.
2. A warm dry wind that descends from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, causing a rapid rise in temperature.

Origin:

Origin: Short for Chinook wind

1. a. A Native American people formerly inhabiting the lower Columbia River valley and adjoining coastal regions of Washington and Oregon, now located in western Washington. The Chinook traded widely throughout the Pacific Northwest.
   b. A member of this people.
   c. The Chinookan language of the Chinook.
2. a. Any of various Chinookan-speaking peoples formerly inhabiting the Columbia River valley eastward to The Dalles and now located in southern Washington and northern Oregon.
   b. A member of any of these peoples.

Origin:

Origin: Chehalis (Salishan language of western Washington) c'inúk