n.1 a storm with a violent wind, esp. a W. Indian cyclone.
2 Meteorol. a wind of 65 knots (75 m.p.h.) or more, force 12 on the Beaufort scale.
3 a violent commotion.
Phrases and idioms:
hurricane-bird a frigate-bird. hurricane-deck a light upper deck on a ship etc. hurricane-lamp an oil-lamp designed to resist a high wind.
Etymology: Sp. huracan & Port. furac|.o of Carib orig.