AMS's peer-reviewed Glossary of Meteorology is the authoritative source for definitions of meteorological terms.
To suggest changes to existing terms or propose definitions for new terms to be added submit a request form.
Recommendations for correctly citing and referencing the Glossary of Meteorology are given on the Citation page.
For full details of Glossary procedures, please visit Glossary Procedures.
The Preface to the Second Edition of the Glossary (2000) is available on the History page.
Support the AMS Glossary En Español
Editors and Staff Contacts
Chief Editor
Assistant Chief Editor
Kristie Franz, STAC Commissioner
Editorial Support
Gwendolyn Whittaker, Director of Publications
Hollis Baguskas, Managing Production Editor
Jessica LaPointe, Managing Production Editor
Updating the Glossary
The Publications Commission and the Scientific and Technological Activities Commission (STAC) jointly developed a mechanism for updating the Glossary of Meteorology through the 36 STAC Boards/Committees (and/or other experts), which represent the expertise necessary to vet proposed changes and create new terms. This process is managed by the Glossary Chief Editor (appointed by the Publications Commission and approved by AMS Council for a 3-year term) and the Assistant Chief Editor (the STAC Commissioner). AMS Publications staff provide administrative, editing, and technical support.
View recently added or edited terms in the Glossary:
or go exploring with a Random Term