tornado

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noun tor·na·do \tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō\

: a violent and destructive storm in which powerful winds move around a central point

plural tor·na·does or tor·na·dos

Full Definition of TORNADO

1

archaic :  a tropical thunderstorm

2

a :  a squall accompanying a thunderstorm in Africa

b :  a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that progresses in a narrow path over the land

3

:  a violent windstorm :  whirlwind

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Examples of TORNADO

1. in the path of a tornado

Origin of TORNADO

modification of Spanish tronada thunderstorm, from tronar to thunder, from Latin tonare — more at thunder

First Known Use: 1556

Other Climate/Meteorology Terms

monsoon, occlusion, ozone, rime, squall, zephyr

Rhymes with TORNADO

gambado