noun
whirling tides; whirlpool
Refers to a swirling tidal current or a whirlpool, often in the sea. Can be used literally or figuratively.
鳴門海峡の渦潮は有名な観光名所だ。
The whirlpools of the Naruto Strait are a famous tourist attraction.
船が渦潮に巻き込まれそうになった。
The boat was almost caught in the whirling tides.
渦 is a general term for a whirlpool or vortex, while 渦潮 specifically refers to tidal whirlpools or swirling currents.
Compound of 渦 (uzu, 'whirlpool') and 潮 (shio, 'tide'). The reading うずしお is a straightforward combination of the two elements.