a whirling column of cloud extending downwards from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud: part of a waterspout or tornado
funnel cloud in American English
noun
a rapidly rotating funnel-shaped cloud extending downward from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud, which, if it touches the surface of the earth, is a tornado or waterspout
Also called: pendant cloud, tornado cloud, tuba
Examples of 'funnel cloud' in a sentence
funnel cloud
It is possible that tomorrow and Tuesday will see funnel clouds and mini tornados dipping onto the countryside from passing thunderstorms.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
When a funnel cloud reaches the ground, it is classified as a tornado.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Before heading inside, she said she saw the tip of a funnel cloud.
canada.com (2005)
A few storms may be severe and isolated, and brief funnel clouds are possible.
Chicago Sun-Times (2014)
This brought some flash flooding, and lightning strikes, funnel clouds and large -hailstones were reported.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Funnel clouds, associated with thunderstorms, were reported in a number of spots along the south coast.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Even more striking were reports of about 70 funnel clouds, vortices that descend from storm clouds but do not touch the ground.