Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HUR'RI-CANE, n. [Sp. huracan, for furacan, from the L. furio, furo, to rage; Port. furaçam; It. oragano; Fr. ouragan; D. orkaan; G. Dan. and Sw. orcan. I know not the origin nor the signification of the last syllable.]

1. A most violent storm of wind, occurring often in the West Indies, and sometimes in higher northern latitudes, and on the coast of the United States, as far north as New England. A hurricane is distinguished from every other kind of tempest by the extreme violence of the wind, and by its sudden changes; the wind often veering suddenly several points, sometimes a quarter of the circle and even more.
2. Any violent tempest. Dryden.