whirlpool
noun
- body of swirling water
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈwɝlpul/ / /ˈhwɝlpul/ / /ˈwɜːlpuːl/
noun
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”).
- 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, a jacuzzi.
“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.
verb
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”).
- To spin or swirl like the water in a whirlpool.