/shi nook", -noohk", chi-/ , n. , pl. Chinooks , ( esp. collectively ) Chinook .
1. a member of a formerly numerous North American Indian people originally inhabiting the northern shore of the mouth of the Columbia River and the adjacent territory.
2. either of the two languages of the Chinook Indians. Cf. Lower Chinook, Upper Chinook .
3. ( l.c. ) a warm, dry wind that blows at intervals down the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
4. ( l.c. ) See chinook salmon .
5. a U.S. Army cargo helicopter in service since 1962 and capable of ferrying 12 tons of supplies and troops.