tornado
UK: tɔːˈneɪdəʊ | US: tɔːrˈneɪdoʊ
n. a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground
n. (figurative) something characterized by overwhelming force or chaos
tornado = torn<to twist> + ado<action/condition>
- torn (from Spanish tornar, meaning "to turn" or "to twist," derived from Latin tornare)
- ado (a suffix indicating action or condition, influenced by Spanish -ado or Italian -ata)
Etymology Origin:
The word tornado originates from Spanish tronada ("thunderstorm"), influenced by tornar ("to twist/turn"). Early English settlers in the Americas likely conflated it with the Spanish tornado ("turned"), emphasizing the storm's swirling motion. The spelling evolved to reflect its violent, rotating nature, distinguishing it from ordinary storms.
The tornado destroyed several homes in its path.
Scientists study tornado formation to improve early warning systems.
The political scandal became a media tornado, dominating headlines for weeks.
She felt her emotions swirl like a tornado after the shocking news.
The town held a fundraiser to help tornado victims rebuild.