flaw

noun · 16th century

It suggests the wind has a temperamental crack in its otherwise calm demeanor.

A sudden, brief gust or squall of wind, often accompanied by rain.

In the wild

“The boat tipped dangerously when a sharp flaw hit the sails mid-harbor.”

Origin

Of uncertain origin, likely related to the Middle Low German flage, appearing in the 16th century to describe gusts.