Tornado
/tɔːrˈneɪ.doʊ/noun
A rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.
Did you know?The term 'tornado' is believed to derive from 'tronada,' a Spanish word for 'thunderstorm,' but its roots echo ancient beliefs in storm deities and chaos.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
tonare
“to thunder”
Spanish
Spanish
tronada
“thunderstorm or stormy weather”
16th Century
English
tornadizo
“stormy or tumultuous, relating to a whirlwind”
17th Century
English
tornado
“a violent windstorm, especially one with a funnel-shaped cloud”