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whirlpool

Pronunciation: /ˈwɝlpul/

The English word “whirlpool” has 4 meanings listed here.

noun

  1. A swirling body of water.
  2. A hot tub, a jacuzzi.
  3. A state of turmoil or agitated excitement.

verb

  1. To spin or swirl like the water in a whirlpool.

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”).

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