Category:Whirlwind

Whirl"wind`, n. Etym: [cf. Icel. hvirfilvindr, sw. hvirfvelvind, dan. Hvirvelvind, g. wirbelwind. See whirl, and wind, n.]

1. A violent windstorm of limited extent, as the tornado, Characterized by an inward spiral motion of the air with an upward Current in the center; a vortex of air. It usually has a rapid Progressive motion. The swift dark whirlwind that uproots the woods. And drowns the Villages. Bryant.

Note: some meteorologists apply the word whirlwind to the larger Rotary storm also, such as cyclones.

2. Fig.: A body of objects sweeping violently onward. "the whirlwind Of hounds and hunters." Macaulay.