What is defined as a localized, violently destructive windstorm characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud?

A tornado is defined as a localized, violently destructive windstorm characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud. It forms in severe thunderstorms and is characterized by rapidly rotating columns of air that extend from the base of a cloud to the ground. Tornadoes can produce winds exceeding 300 miles per hour and can lead to significant damage over a small area. This funnel shape is a distinctive feature that sets tornadoes apart from other types of storms.

In contrast, a waterspout refers specifically to a tornado that forms over water. A hurricane is a much larger storm system that can produce winds strong enough to cause destruction, but it does not have the funnel shape associated with tornadoes. A cyclone can refer to various types of storm systems, often associated with low-pressure areas, but it does not specifically describe the unique structure and destructive nature of a tornado. Therefore, the description of a localized, violently destructive windstorm with a funnel-shaped cloud uniquely fits the definition of a tornado.