noun
maelstrom
MAYL-strum/ˈmeɪlstrəm/
A violently swirling body of water.
The maelstrom pulls floating branches into its swirling center.
Etymology
The Dutch pieces mean 'grinding stream,' an image of water churning destructively. First the name of a Norwegian whirlpool, possibly with an earlier Faroese origin, it broadened to whirlpools generally and figuratively to violent confusion.
In context
transforms the once-familiar physical space of the castle grounds into a swirling maelstrom of confusion
More examples
- The captain steers clear of the maelstrom.
- Powerful currents create maelstroms in the narrow channel.
- From the cliff, we watch foam circle the maelstrom.
Forms
maelstrom · maelstroms
Similar words
- whirlpool
- A broader term for swirling water, not necessarily violent.
- vortex
- Describes rotating fluid, including air, rather than specifically water.