n. (pl. -oes) 1 a violent storm of small extent with whirling winds, esp.: a in West Africa at the beginning and end of the rainy season. b in the US etc. over a narrow path often accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud. 2 an outburst or volley of cheers, hisses, missiles, etc. tornadic adj.
[ app. assim. of Sp. tronada thunderstorm (f. tronar to thunder) to Sp. tornar to turn ]