torrential

American  

[taw-ren-shuhl, toh-, tuh-] / tɔˈrɛn ʃəl, toʊ-, tə- /

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.

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torrential British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• torrentially adverb

Etymology

Origin of torrential

First recorded in 1840–50; torrent + -ial

Example Sentences

Firefighters and authorities search for people trapped in the mud and debris in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, after torrential rains that have left at least 23 people dead and 47 missing in flooding and landslides.

From Barron's

Officials believe that incident was caused by torrential rains which had softened the soil.

From BBC

And more torrential rains are expected, with much of Southern California still under a flood watch, according to the National Weather Service.

From Los Angeles Times

Further north, Portugal and Spain have faced fresh storms and torrential rain.

From Barron's

Amid a torrential downpour, Jack Dempsey powered through from close range to reduce the deficit.

From BBC

Related Words

• teeming