What does "dust devil" mean?

A small atmospheric vortex appearing in clear, dry conditions, made visible by swirling dust (or dirt or sand) picked up from the ground.

What is a synonym for "dust devil"?

Common synonyms include: cyclone, dust swirl, dust whirl, eddy, mini vortex, tornado.

Pronounced //dʌst ˈdɛvəl//.

/dʌst ˈdɛvəl/ noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
A small atmospheric vortex appearing in clear, dry conditions, made visible by swirling dust (or dirt or sand) picked up from the ground.
"Near-synonyms: whirlwind, whirl, sandspout, sand pillar, willy willy (Australia)"
2
a miniature whirlwind strong enough to whip dust and leaves and litter into the air wordnet

"Near-synonyms: whirlwind, whirl, sandspout, sand pillar, willy willy (Australia)"

From dust + devil.