maelstrom
noun
A powerful whirlpool; a situation or state of confused movement or violent turmoil.
Etymology
From Dutch maelstrom, from malen "to grind, whirl" + stroom "stream." Originally the name of a strong tidal current off Norway.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The ship was caught in a deadly maelstrom."
- 2.
"She found herself in a maelstrom of political controversy."
- 3.
"The financial crisis created a maelstrom in global markets."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
The original Maelstrom is a tidal whirlpool in Norway's Lofoten Islands. Edgar Allan Poe's story "A Descent into the Maelstrom" (1841) helped popularize the word as a metaphor for chaos.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (M, A, E, L, S, T, R, O, M)
Scrabble Value: 13 points
Tip: Words ending in "OM" are often good scoring opportunities.
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