First Known Use: 1556
Dictionary
tornado
noun tor·na·do \tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō\
: a violent and destructive storm in which powerful winds move around a central point
plural tor·na·does or tor·na·dos
Full 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
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Origin of TORNADO
modification of Spanish tronada thunderstorm, from tronar to thunder, from Latin tonare — more at thunder
Rhymes with TORNADO
TORNADO Defined for Kids
tornado
noun tor·na·do \tȯr-ˈnā-dō\
plural tor·na·does or tor·na·dos
Definition of TORNADO for Kids
: a violent whirling wind accompanied by a cloud that is shaped like a funnel and moves overland in a narrow path
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