tornado

tor·na·do

noun \tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō\

plural tor·na·does or tor·na·dos

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

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