Webster's English Dictionary

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whirl

1. whirl \'hw*r(-*)l, 'w*r(-*)l\ vb [ME whirlen, prob. of Scand origin; 
   akin to ON hvirfla to whirl; ak]in to OHG wirbil whirlwind, OE hweorfan to 
   turn - more at WHARF 1: to move in a circle or similar curve esp. with 
   force or speed  2a: to turn on or around an axis like a wheel : ROTATE  2b: 
   to turn abruptly around or aside : WHEEL  3: to pass, move, or go quickly  
   4: to become giddy or dizzy : REEL {my head is ~ing)> 1: to drive, impel, 
   or convey with or as if with a rotary motion  2a: to cause to turn usu. 
   rapidly on or around an axis : ROTATE  2b: to cause to turn abruptly around 
   or aside  obs  3: to throw or hurl violently with a revolving motion 
2. whirl n 1a: a rapid rotating or circling movement  1b: something 
   undergoing such a movement : VORTEX  2a: a confused tumult : BUSTLE  2b: a 
   confused or disturbed mental state  3: an experimental or brief attempt : 
   TRY