maelstrom

mael·strom

noun \ˈmāl-strəm, -ˌsträm\

Definition of MAELSTROM

1

: a powerful often violent whirlpool sucking in objects within a given radius

2

: something resembling a maelstrom in turbulence

Examples of MAELSTROM

1. She was caught in a maelstrom of emotions.
2. The ship was drawn into the maelstrom.

Origin of MAELSTROM

obsolete Dutch (now maalstroom), from malen to grind + strom stream

First Known Use: 1682

Related to MAELSTROM

Synonyms: gulf, whirlpool, vortex

Related Words: tourbillion (or tourbillon); eddy, swirl, whirl

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Other Oceanography Terms

littoral, sound