Maelstrom
A maelstrom (/ˈmeɪlstrɒm/ or /ˈmeɪlstrəm/) is a very powerful whirlpool; a large, swirling body of water. A free vortex, it has considerable downdraft. The power of tidal whirlpools tends to be exaggerated by laymen. There are virtually no stories of large ships ever being sucked into a maelstrom, although smaller craft are in danger and tsunami-generated maelstroms may even threaten larger craft. Tales like those by Paul the Deacon, Jules Verne and Edgar Allan Poe are entirely fictional.
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Famous quotes containing the word maelstrom:
“The maelstrom of fatherhood is a chance to show grace under real pressure, to be cool despite the chaos of your son’s room. That’s something that’s worth a fellow’s time.”
—Hugh O’Neill (20th century)