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waterspout

waterspout, tornadooccurring at sea or over inland waters. The characteristic funnel-shaped cloud is formed at the base of a cumulus-type cloud and extends downward to the water surface, where it picks up spray. Waterspouts are most frequent in tropical regions, but are not uncommon in higher latitudes.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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