1910–1911
Britannica 11th
Encyclopaedia Britannica · 11th edition
TORNADO (Span., tornado, a turning about, cf. " turn "), a local whirlwind of extreme violence, usually formed within a thunderstorm. In appearance it consists of a funnel-shaped cloud, depending from the mass of storm-cloud above, and when fully developed tapering downwards to the earth. Besides its whirling motion, a tornado has an advancing movement of from 20 to 40 m. an hour — and along its own narrow path it carries destruction. Its duration is usually from half an hour to an hour. Tornadoes are most common i…
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- Vol. 27, pp. 52-52