The word 'windstorm' is a transparent compound formed from two native English words of Germanic origin. 'Wind' traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root h₂wéh₁n̥ts, which also gave rise to Latin 'ventus', both meaning moving air. 'Storm' originates from the Proto-Germanic sturmaz, implying a tumult or violent disturbance. The compound logic is straightforward and descriptive, directly combining these two elemental concepts to specify a meteorological event characterized primarily by powerful winds, as distinct from a thunderstorm or snowstorm. This construction exemplifies the Germanic tendency to create precise, concrete vocabulary through the compounding of existing root words.

Structure: wind (air in motion) + storm (violent atmospheric disturbance) - wind: From Old English 'wind', of Germanic origin; from an Indo-European root shared by Latin 'ventus'. The functional role is the core noun denoting the primary phenomenon. - storm: From Old English 'storm', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'storm' and German 'Sturm'. The functional role is the core noun specifying the type of violent event.