Definitions for maelstromˈmeɪl strəm

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

mael•stromˈmeɪl strəm(n.)

  1. a powerful whirlpool often hazardous to approach.

  2. a tumultuous state of affairs.

  3. (cap.) a powerful current off the NW coast of Norway.

Origin of maelstrom:

1550–60; < early D maelstroom, repr. mal(en) to grind +stroom stream. See meal2, stream

Princeton's WordNet

  1. whirlpool, vortex, maelstrom(noun)

    a powerful circular current of water (usually the result of conflicting tides)

Wiktionary

  1. maelstrom(Noun)

    A large and violent whirlpool.

  2. maelstrom(Noun)

    Any violent or turbulent situation.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Maelstrom(noun)

    a celebrated whirlpool on the coast of Norway

  2. Maelstrom(noun)

    also Fig. ; as, a maelstrom of vice

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

  1. Maelström

    . See Malström.


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