Main Entry:

cy·clone

Pronunciation:

\ˈsī-ˌklōn\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

modification of Greek kyklōma wheel, coil, from kykloun to go around, from kyklos circle

Date:

1848

1 a: a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (about 30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings heavy rain b: tornado c: ⁴low 1b2: any of various centrifugal devices for separating materials (as solid particles from gases)

— cy·clon·ic \sī-ˈklä-nik\ adjective

— cy·clon·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb