Maelstrom is a term used to describe a powerful WHIRLPOOL or VORTEX in a body of water. It is often used to refer to a large, swirling body of water that can be dangerous and unpredictable. The term is derived from the Dutch word 'maalstroom, ' which means 'WHIRLPOOL' or 'turbulent stream.' The crossword solutions for the term maelstrom are VORTEX (6 letters), WHIRLPOOL (9 letters), EDDY (4 letters), and vort (4 letters). VORTEX and WHIRLPOOL are both terms used to describe a powerful swirling body of water, while EDDY and vort refer to smaller, localized areas of swirling water.