English · Nature & Environment
tornado
/tɔːrˈneɪ.doʊ/
[/tɔːrˈneɪ.doʊ/]
spinning windstorm
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A violently rotating column of air that reaches from a storm cloud to the ground.
Example
A tornado touched down on the plains, flinging debris high into the darkening sky.
A tornado touched down on the plains, flinging debris high into the darkening sky.
Etymology
From Spanish 'tronada' meaning thunderstorm, influenced by 'tornar' to turn.
How & Where It’s Used
Common in the central United States, known as Tornado Alley.