tsunami

Definition

A very large and destructive wave, generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean, such as an undersea earthquake or volcanic eruption; often a series of waves (a wave train).

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese 津波 (tsunami), from 津 (tsu, “harbour”) + 波 (nami, “wave”).

Example Sentences

• "A tsunami struck Japan recently."
• "A wave simulator in the tank can re-enact tsunamis and northeasters, and imitate wave conditions from midocean."
• "It seemed that what started out as a handful of isolated cases gradually turned into a tsunami of complaints."

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