Originally a nautical term; of obscure origin but possibly derived from and related to the English words squeege, “to press, squeeze,” and squilgee, a nautical term for an implement resembling a hoe.
EXAMPLES OF SQUEEGEE
After washing the windows, she used a squeegee to remove the excess water for a streak-free shine.
The caretaker quickly wiped the floor with a squeegee to prevent anyone from slipping on the wet surface.
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From old Dutch mal(en), “to grind” + stroom, “stream.” See meal2, stream.
The sense of “powerful whirlpool” has been in use since the 1580s. The figurative meaning, obtained from the sense that the whirlpool would suck in ships and create chaos and turbulence, is attested since the 1830s.
EXAMPLES OF MAELSTROM
The country was caught in a political maelstrom, with protests erupting in every major city.
The sudden economic downturn created a financial maelstrom that affected businesses worldwide.