\Whirl"wind`\, n. [Cf. Icel. hvirfilvindr, Sw.
hvirfvelvind, Dan. hvirvelvind, G. wirbelwind. See {Whirl},
and {Wind}, n.]
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.

         The swift dark whirlwind that uproots the woods. And
         drowns the villages.                  --Bryant.

Note: Some meteorologists apply the word whirlwind to the
      larger rotary storm also, such as cyclones.

2. Fig.: A body of objects sweeping violently onward. ``The
   whirlwind of hounds and hunters.'' --Macaulay.