maelstrom

noun mael·strom \ˈmāl-strəm, -ˌsträm\

: a situation in which there are a lot of confused activities, emotions, etc.

: a dangerous area of water that moves very fast in a circle

Full Definition of MAELSTROM

: a powerful often violent whirlpool sucking in objects within a given radius

: something resembling a maelstrom in turbulence

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obsolete Dutch (now maalstroom), from malen to grind + strom stream

First Known Use: 1682

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