(Meteor) A movement of air with respect to the earth's surface due to pressure, centrifugal force, temperature differences, and other factors. Wind is a vector quantity, having both speed and direction. See: Beaufort Wind Scale; Geostrophic wind; gradient wind. Note: Wind is generally one of three types: (1) a worldwide permanent system such as the prevailing and trade winds, (2) a seasonal wind, such as a monsoon, or (3) a local wind