twister
/'twistə/
Definition
Noun: 1. A localized and violently destructive windstorm occurring over land, characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground. This is the common term for a tornado. 2. A small, fried cake formed into twisted strips and fried. This is a type of pastry. 3. (Informal) A difficult problem or puzzle; a brain teaser. 4. (Informal, dated) A deceitful or tricky person.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Tornado):
- The twister touched down just outside of town, causing significant damage.
- Residents took shelter in their basements as the twister approached.
- Noun (Pastry):
- For breakfast, she enjoyed a cinnamon twister with her coffee.
- The bakery is famous for its apple-filled twisters.
- Noun (Difficult Problem):
- The final question on the math test was a real twister.
- Solving that logic puzzle was a twister, but I finally figured it out.
Advanced Usage
- The term "twister" for a tornado is most common in informal and journalistic contexts, particularly in the United States. In formal meteorological contexts, "tornado" is preferred.
- As a term for a tricky person, "twister" is now considered old-fashioned or regional.
Variants and Related Words
- Twist (verb/noun): The root word meaning to turn or wind something around itself. A tornado is a twisting column of air.
- Tornado (noun): The formal meteorological term for a violent, twisting windstorm; a synonym for "twister" in its primary sense.
Synonyms
- For the windstorm: Tornado, cyclone (in specific contexts), funnel cloud (when not touching the ground).
- For the difficult problem: Brain teaser, conundrum, puzzle, stumper.
- For the deceitful person: Trickster, swindler, cheat (these are more common modern terms).
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Tongue twister: A sequence of words that is difficult to pronounce quickly and correctly.
- "She sells seashells by the seashore" is a famous tongue twister.
- Arm twister: (Informal) A person who uses strong persuasion or pressure to make someone do something.
- He's a real arm twister when he needs volunteers for the project.
Noun
-
small friedcake formed into twisted strips and fried; richer than doughnuts
-
a localized and violently destructive windstorm occurring over land characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ chứa "twister"
Từ có nhắc đến "twister"
