whirlpool

views updated May 21 2018

whirl·pool / ˈ(h)wərlˌpoōl/ • n. a rapidly rotating mass of water in a river or sea into which objects may be drawn, typically caused by the meeting of conflicting currents. ∎ fig. a turbulent situation from which it is hard to escape: he was drawing her down into an emotional whirlpool. ∎  (also whirl·pool bath) a heated pool in which hot, typically aerated water is continuously circulated.

whirlpool

views updated Jun 08 2018

whirlpool Circular motion of a fluid. Whirlpools in rivers occur in regions where waterfalls or sharp breaks in topographic continuity make steady flow impossible. See also vortex

whirlpool

views updated May 23 2018

whirlpool XV. f. WHIRL + POOL.