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

Others fear another Fukushima-scale disaster, where a tsunami disabled three reactors, causing the release of highly radioactive materials and forcing mass evacuations.

From BBC

In politics, as in nature, the largest tsunami generated by an earthquake is often not the first wave but the next one.

From Salon

Despite a plethora of forecasts that assumed the loss of reproductive rights would not sway the election, Dobbs played a major role in turning that red wave into a pink tsunami.

From Los Angeles Times

After the Japanese navy launched its attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, a tsunami of racist propaganda washed across the United States.

From Los Angeles Times

A huge meteorite first discovered in 2014 caused a tsunami bigger than any in known human history and boiled the oceans, scientists have discovered.

From BBC

Related Words

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