Definition of "cyclone" []

• Meteorology An atmospheric system characterized by the rapid inward circulation of air masses about a low-pressure center, usually accompanied by stormy, often destructive weather. Cyclones circulate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. (noun)
• Meteorology A violent tropical storm, especially one originating in the southwestern Pacific Ocean or Indian Ocean. (noun)
• A violent rotating windstorm. (noun)
• Any of various devices using centrifugal force to separate materials. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Another major tropical cyclone, the 1970 Bangladesh cyclone¢’‚¬?"
• "Perhaps it may not be a matter of knowledge to all readers that for these hurricanes, as for many other heavy gales, the term cyclone is exact; that the wind does actually blow round a circle, but one of so great circumference that at each several point it seems to follow a straight line."
• ""The response to the cyclone is just the most recent example of the junta's failure to meet its people's basic needs," Mrs. Bush said."