whirlpool

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search
See also: Whirlpool

English

[edit]
English Wikipedia has an article on:
Wikipedia

Etymology

[edit]

From earlier whirlpoole, whirlpole, apparently from Middle English *whirlpole, potentially coalescing Old English hwierfel (whirlpool) and Old English hwierfepōl (whirlpool). Equivalent to whirl +‎ pool. Cognate with Scots quhirlepole, whirle-pule (whirlpool). Compare also English whirlpit.

Eclipsed non-native Middle English gurges (whirlpool), borrowed from Latin gurges (whirlpool).

Pronunciation

[edit]

Noun

[edit]

whirlpool (plural whirlpools)

  1. A swirling body of water.
    A whirlpool is an instance of a vortex produced by ocean tides, or by a hole underneath where the water would drain out, such as in a bathtub.
  2. A hot tub, jacuzzi.
    • 1995, Orange Coast Magazine, volume 21, number 6, page 56:
      The meatloaf has been cooking in the oven for the last hour and should be ready just about the time George climbs out of the whirlpool.
  3. A state of turmoil, or agitated excitement.

Derived terms

[edit]

Translations

[edit]

Verb

[edit]

whirlpool (third-person singular simple present whirlpools, present participle whirlpooling, simple past and past participle whirlpooled)

  1. (intransitive) To spin or swirl like the water in a whirlpool.

Derived terms

[edit]