Need another word for Tornado? Use these synonyms of Tornado from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
cyclone
whirlwind
twister
hurricane
storm
gale
tempest
typhoon
blizzard
squall
gust
blast
windstorm
thunderstorm
meteorological phenomenon
atmospheric disturbance
air mass
weather system
low-pressure system
vortex
spiral
eddy
swirl
rotation
turbulence
chaos
destruction
devastation
disaster
calamity
catastrophe
mayhem
upheaval
turmoil
commotion
disturbance
upheaval
convulsion
cataclysm
Meaning of Tornado
A tornado is a rotating column of air that touches the ground and is characterized by high wind speeds and destructive power.
Definitions
- A rotating column of air that touches the ground and is characterized by high wind speeds and destructive power, formed by a thunderstorm or other weather system.
- * A violent and destructive whirlwind, especially one that occurs in the United States.
Etymology of Tornado
The word "tornado" comes from the Spanish word "truenado", meaning thunderstorm, and the Latin word "tonare", meaning to thunder, with the suffix "-ado" added to form a noun.
The term "tornado" was first used in the 16th century to describe a type of storm that was thought to be related to thunder.
Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to include the characteristic rotating column of air that we associate with tornadoes today.
Example Uses
- The tornado warning was issued for several counties in the area, and residents were advised to seek shelter immediately.
- * The tornado touched down in a rural area, causing significant damage to homes and crops.
- * The storm system produced a tornado that was rated as an EF3, with winds of up to 165 miles per hour.