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Tornado Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tornado

[tษ”หหˆneษชdษ™สŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

natural disaster

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud.

Synonyms

cyclone, twister, whirlwind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tornado

Mostly used in North America to describe a violent rotating column of air that touches both the ground and a cloud.

  • A tornado tore through the town last night, causing immense damage
twister

A colloquial term commonly used in the United States for tornadoes. It has an informal tone compared to 'tornado'.

  • Locals are preparing for the twister expected to hit tomorrow
cyclone

Typically used in meteorological contexts and often refers to large-scale systems of wind circulating around a center of low atmospheric pressure. Commonly associated with storms in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific.

  • The cyclone brought heavy rains and strong winds to the coastal regions
whirlwind

Describes both small, rapidly rotating air movements that are less intense than tornadoes and can be used metaphorically to describe a situation that happens very quickly and is full of activity.

  • The weekend was a whirlwind of events and activities

Examples of usage

  • Tornadoes can cause significant damage to buildings and vehicles.
  • Residents were advised to seek shelter in basements during the tornado warning.
Context #2 | Noun

meteorology

In meteorology, a tornado is a violently rotating column of air that is in contact with the ground and a cumulonimbus cloud.

Synonyms

funnel cloud, vortex, whirlwind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tornado

This entry is a duplicate. Please refer to the first entry for 'tornado'.
vortex

A more scientific or technical term that can refer to any rotating motion in fluids, not just air. Often used in physics, engineering, and specific scientific discussions.

  • The water in the bathtub formed a small vortex as it drained.
  • Scientists studied the vortex patterns in the atmosphere.
funnel cloud

Specifically refers to a rotating funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a storm cloud but does not touch the ground. It's usually used in contexts where the phenomenon is observed but hasn't yet developed into a full tornado.

  • We spotted a funnel cloud forming in the distance.
  • A funnel cloud is an indicator that a tornado may form.
whirlwind

Describes a small rotating column of air or a fast-moving and chaotic situation or activity. It can be used literally or metaphorically. In a literal sense, it refers to smaller-scale twisters. Metaphorically, it describes hectic scenarios.

  • The news caused a whirlwind of emotions.
  • A whirlwind of dust passed over the field.

Examples of usage

  • The Doppler radar detected a tornado forming in the area.
  • Tornadoes are often associated with severe thunderstorms.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Tornadoes form from severe thunderstorms called supercells when warm, moist air meets cold, dry air.
  • The lowest pressure in a tornado can cause extreme pressure gradients, resulting in wind speeds that can exceed 300 miles per hour.

Geography

  • Most tornadoes in the United States occur in 'Tornado Alley,' which stretches from Texas to North Dakota.
  • Tornadoes can form in many countries, including Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe.

Pop Culture

  • Tornadoes have appeared in many movies, the most famous being 'The Wizard of Oz,' where a tornado transports Dorothy to a magical land.
  • The 'Tornado' rides in amusement parks simulate the twisting motion and speed of an actual tornado.

Safety and Preparedness

  • During a tornado, it's important to seek shelter in a sturdy building, ideally in a basement or interior room away from windows.
  • Tornado watches indicate conditions are right for a tornado, while tornado warnings mean one has been sighted or indicated by radar.

Origin of 'tornado'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Spanish 'tronada,' which means 'thunderstorm.'
  • The term 'tornado' was first used in English in the late 16th century.

The word 'tornado' originated from the Spanish word 'tornar' which means 'to turn'. The term was first used in the English language in the late 16th century to describe a violent windstorm. Tornadoes have been documented throughout history, with various myths and legends surrounding their appearance and destructive power.

See also: torn.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,572, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.