[tor.na.do] n, pl -does or -dos [modif. of Sp tronada thunderstorm, fr. tronar to thunder, fr. L tonare--more at thunder] (1556) 1 archaic: a tropical thunderstorm
2. a: a squall accompanying a thunderstorm in Africa b: a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that progresses in a narrow path over the land
3: a violent windstorm: whirlwind