maelstrom

Definition of Maelstrom in English :

1. maelstrom, vortex, whirlpool

a powerful circular current of water (usually the result of conflicting tides)

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Maelstrom

noun

1.

a large powerful whirlpool

2.

any turbulent confusion

noun

a strong tidal current in a restricted channel in the Lofoten Islands off the NW coast of Norway

noun

1.

a famous strong, swirling tidal current off the W coast of Norway, hazardous to safe navigation

2. [m-]

any large or violent whirlpool

3. [m-]

a violently confused or dangerously agitated state of mind, emotion, affairs, etc.

n.

1. A violent or turbulent situation: caught in the maelstrom of war.

2. A whirlpool of extraordinary size or violence.