Which of the following terms is generally used for tropical cyclones in the United States?

The term used for tropical cyclones in the United States is "hurricanes." This designation applies specifically to intense storm systems characterized by strong winds that form over warm ocean waters in tropical regions.

Hurricanes are categorized based on their wind speeds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which helps to communicate the potential damage and flooding risks associated with these storms. The Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific regions frequently see these storms, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

While "typhoons" refer to the same types of storms, they are the term used in the western Pacific region, particularly around Asia. "Monsoons," on the other hand, are seasonal prevailing winds that often bring heavy rains but are not tropical cyclones. Lastly, "tornadoes" are different phenomena entirely, being violently rotating columns of air that descend from thunderstorms and have their own distinct formation process. Therefore, hurricanes are the correct term for tropical cyclones occurring in the United States.