whirlpool

American  

[hwurl-pool, wurl-] / ˈʰwɜrlˌpul, ˈwɜrl- /

noun

1. water in swift, circular motion, as that produced by the meeting of opposing currents, often causing a downward spiraling action.

2. whirlpool bath.

3. Heraldry. gurge.

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whirlpool British  

/ ˈwɜːlˌpuːl /

noun

1. a powerful circular current or vortex of water, usually produced by conflicting tidal currents or by eddying at the foot of a waterfall

2. something resembling a whirlpool in motion or the power to attract into its vortex

3. short for whirlpool bath

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whirlpool Scientific  

/ wûrl′po̅o̅l′ /

1. A rapidly rotating current of water or other liquid that sucks everything near it toward its center. The meeting of two tides can create a whirlpool.

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Etymology

Origin of whirlpool

1520–30; whirl + pool ¹; compare late Old English hwyrfepōl

Example Sentences

But in several places, the waves swirled and tapered into pinecone-sized whirlpools.

From Literature

On a river in Alaska while training I once saw a place where a whirlpool had frozen into a cone, open at the bottom like a beautiful trap waiting to suck the whole team down.

From Literature

Outside, the evening was peaceful and still, but inside, Nim was a rage hotter than Fire Mountain’s lava and wilder than a whirlpool in a storm.

From Literature

Travelers in select suites can enjoy private whirlpool spas and outdoor showers.

From The Wall Street Journal

The whirlpool is massive, and I seriously overestimated how far I could jump.

From Literature

Related Words

• eddy
• maelstrom
• vortex