[tawr-ney-doh] 
| 1. | a localized, violently destructive windstorm occurring over land, esp. in the Middle West, and characterized by a long, funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground and made visible by condensation and debris. Compare waterspout (def. 3). |
| 2. | a violent squall or whirlwind of small extent, as one of those occurring during the summer on the west coast of Africa. |
| 3. | a violent outburst, as of emotion or activity. |
| 4. | (initial capital letter ) Military. a supersonic, two-seat, multipurpose military aircraft produced jointly by West Germany, Britain, and Italy and capable of flying in darkness and bad weather. |
[tawr-nad-ik, -ney-dik] , adjective | tor·na·do (tôr-nā'dō) n. pl. tor·na·does or tor·na·dos
[Alteration (perhaps influenced by Spanish tornar, to turn) of Spanish tronada, thunderstorm, from tronar, to thunder, from Latin tonāre; see (s)tenə- in Indo-European roots.] tor·na'dic (-nā'dĭk, -nād'ĭk) adj. |
In meteorology, a storm in which high-speed winds move in a funnel-shaped pattern.
Note: Tornadoes occur chiefly during thunderstorms.
Note: If the tip of the funnel touches the ground, it can cause extensive damage.
Note: Tornadoes are common in the Middle West.