Word to the Wise: Maelstrom

A "maelstrom" (MAYL-strum) - from the Dutch for "to whirl round" - is a powerful or destructive whirlpool.

Example (as used by Farley Mowat in The Farfarers): "The murk became thicker as Zachareesi fishtailed his canoe through a swirling maelstrom of currents pouring past, and over, unseen rocks."

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