tsunami

[ tsoo-nah-mee ]

noun

1. an unusually large sea wave produced by a seaquake or undersea volcanic eruption.

tsunami

/ tsʊˈnæmɪ /

noun

1. a large, often destructive, sea wave produced by a submarine earthquake, subsidence, or volcanic eruption. Sometimes incorrectly called a tidal wave
2. a sudden increase in or overwhelming number or volume of

   the tsunami of Olympic visitors

tsunami

/ tso̅o̅-nä′mē /

1. A very large ocean wave that is caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption and often causes extreme destruction when it strikes land. Tsunamis can have heights of up to 30 m (98 ft) and reach speeds of 950 km (589 mi) per hour. They are characterized by long wavelengths of up to 200 km (124 mi) and long periods, usually between 10 and 60 minutes.
2. See Note at tidal wave

tsunami

1. A large wave on the ocean, usually caused by an undersea earthquake , a volcanic eruption, or coastal landslide. A tsunami can travel hundreds of miles over the open sea and cause extensive damage when it encounters land. Also called tidal waves.

Other Words From

• tsu·na·mic [ts, oo, -, nah, -mik, -, nam, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tsunami¹

1905–10; < Japanese, equivalent to tsu harbor (earlier tu ) + nami wave

Word History and Origins

Origin of tsunami¹

from Japanese, from tsu port + nami wave

Example Sentences

The widely predicted blue tsunami was more like a modest midsummer swell.

From ProPublica

Although the news still focuses on the polls, it also seems to acknowledge that treating politics like a game might not be the best approach in a world that has been bowled over by the tsunami that is 2020.

From Ozy

Whatever its name, the tool has enormous potential to limit a tsunami of false or misleading news on topics like politics and health.

From Fortune

The tsunami of coronavirus news coverage can paradoxically make it hard to find the information you want.

From Science News

The asteroid that crashed to Earth on the dinosaurs’ last day would have caused tsunami waves.

From Science News For Students

When it came to shooting the famous parting of the Red Sea, Ridley Scott elected to show a tsunami splitting the waters.

From The Daily Beast

Things picked up again when the 2011 tsunami hit Tōhoku, Japan.

From The Daily Beast

Typically, celebrities have stayed out of the Middle East conflict, knowing full well the tsunami of emotions it carries.

From The Daily Beast

Tempest, hurricane, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, or Big Bang?

From The Daily Beast

And now, a massive magnitude 8.2 off the coast of Chile that even generated a tsunami.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• deluge
• downpour
• flow
• glut
• spate
• stream
• surge
• tide
• torrent
• wave