torrential

[ taw-ren-shuhl, toh-, tuh- ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or having the nature of a torrent.
2. resembling a torrent in rapidity or violence.
3. falling in torrents:

   torrential rains.

4. produced by the action of a torrent.
5. violent, vehement, or impassioned.
6. overwhelming; extraordinarily copious.

torrential

/ tə-; tɒˈrɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a torrent
2. pouring or flowing fast, violently, or heavily

   torrential rain

3. abundant, overwhelming, or irrepressible

   torrential abuse

Derived Forms

• torˈrentially, adverb

Other Words From

• tor·rential·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of torrential¹

First recorded in 1840–50; torrent + -ial

Example Sentences

Floods and torrential rain returned to the Valencia region on Wednesday night, but this time they were ready for it, and the areas hit two weeks ago escaped further disaster.

From BBC

Aemet warns of rainfall and storms that could be “very strong to torrential”.

From BBC

Several other regions in Spain remain on alert as the new weather front is expected to bring torrential rain and low temperatures just weeks after the country was devastated by flash floods that have so far killed more than 220 people.

From BBC

Aemet warns of rainfall and storms that could be “very strong to torrential”.

From BBC

Two weeks after flash floods caused devastation in eastern Spain, several areas of the country are on alert, with a new weather front expected to bring torrential rain and low temperatures.

From BBC

Related Words

• teeming