| hurricane | A violent storm, characterised by extreme fury and sudden changes of the wind, and generally accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning; especially prevalent in the East and West Indies. Also used figuratively. "Like the smoke in a hurricane whirl'd." (Tennyson) "Each guilty thought to me is A dreadful hurricane. <zoology> " (Massinger) Hurricane bird See Deck. Origin: Sp. Hurracan; orig. A Carib word signifying, a high wind. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
|---|