gale

(gāl)

1. a. A wind with a speed of from 34 to 40 knots (39 to 46 miles per hour; 63 to 74 kilometers per hour), according to the Beaufort scale. Also called fresh gale.
   b. A storm at sea.
2. A forceful outburst: gales of laughter.
3. Archaic A breeze.

(gāl)