whirlpool
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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See also: Whirlpool
Etymology
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
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈwɝlpul/, /ˈhwɝlpul/
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈwɜːlpuːl/
Audio (General Australian): (file) - Hyphenation: whirl‧pool
Noun
whirlpool (plural whirlpools)
- 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.
- 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.
- A state of turmoil, or agitated excitement.
Derived terms
Translations
swirling body of water
|
jacuzzi — see jacuzzi
Verb
whirlpool (third-person singular simple present whirlpools, present participle whirlpooling, simple past and past participle whirlpooled)
- (intransitive) To spin or swirl like the water in a whirlpool.
Derived terms
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