whirlwind
Meanings
noun
- A windstorm of limited extent, such as a tornado, dust devil, or waterspout, characterized by an inward spiral motion of the air with an upward current in the center; a vortex of air.
- A person or body of objects or events sweeping violently onward.
adj
- Rapid and minimal.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
From Middle English whirlewind, whirlewynde, equivalent to whirl + wind. Compare Middle Dutch wervelwint, Old Norse hvirfilvindr.
Synonyms
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Derived words
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