Main Entry: tor·na·do

Pronunciation: \tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural tor·na·does or tor·na·dos

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

Date: 1556

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