whirlwind

Etymology

From Middle English whirlewind, whirlewynde, equivalent to whirl + wind. Compare Middle Dutch wervelwint, Old Norse hvirfilvindr.

noun

1. A violent windstorm of limited extent, as the tornado, characterized by an inward spiral motion of the air with an upward current in the center; a vortex of air. It usually has a rapid progressive motion.
2. (figurative) A person or body of objects or events sweeping violently onward.
   Once he got that new scooter he turned into a whirlwind and damaged all the flowers.
   The weeks leading up to the convention were a whirlwind of preparation and hurried activity.

adj

1. Rapid and minimal: a whirlwind tour, a whirlwind romance.
   So you aren't deserting the Caversham ship. They'll understand. After all, their courtship was pretty whirlwind itself. 2016, Nina Milne, Rafael's Contract Bride, page 60