whirlwind

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English whirlewind, whirlewynde, equivalent to whirl +‎ wind. Compare Middle Dutch wervelwint, Old Norse hvirfilvindr. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈwɜːlwɪnd/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈ(h)wɝlwɪnd/ === Noun === whirlwind (plural whirlwinds) 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. (figurative) A person or body of objects or events sweeping violently onward. Synonyms: vortex, maelstrom ==== Hyponyms ==== dust devil fire whirl landspout tornado waterspout ==== Derived terms ==== sow the wind, reap the whirlwind ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === whirlwind (not comparable) Rapid and minimal. ==== See also ==== whistle-stop