tsu·na·mi (ts -nä m )n. pl. tsu·na·mis A very large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption. [Japanese : tsu, port + nami, wave.] tsu·na mic (-m k) adj. |
tsunami [tsʊˈnæmɪ]
n pl -mis, -mi
1. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) 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
[from Japanese, from tsu port + nami wave]
tsunami (ts -näm) 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. See Note at tidal wave. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | tsunami - a cataclysm resulting from a destructive sea wave caused by an earthquake or volcanic eruption; "a colossal tsunami destroyed the Minoan civilization in minutes" calamity, catastrophe, tragedy, disaster, cataclysm - an event resulting in great loss and misfortune; "the whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity"; "the earthquake was a disaster" moving ridge, wave - one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water) |
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|