n. [ Cf. Icel. hvirfilvindr, Sw. hvirfvelvind, Dan. hvirvelvind, G. wirbelwind. See Whirl, and Wind, n. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A violent windstorm of limited extent, as the tornado, characterized by an inward spiral motion of the air with an upward current in the center; a vortex of air. It usually has a rapid progressive motion. [ 1913 Webster ]

The swift dark whirlwind that uproots the woods.
And drowns the villages. Bryant. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Some meteorologists apply the word whirlwind to the larger rotary storm also, such as cyclones. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fig.: A body of objects sweeping violently onward. “The whirlwind of hounds and hunters.” Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]