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tsunami
[ tsoo-nah-mee ]
/ tsʊˈnɑ mi /
See the most commonly confused word associated with tidal wave
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noun
an unusually large sea wave produced by a seaquake or undersea volcanic eruption.
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Also called seismic sea wave.
Origin of tsunami
1905–10; <Japanese, equivalent to tsu harbor (earlier tu) + nami wave
OTHER WORDS FROM tsunami
tsu·na·mic [tsoo-nah-mik, -nam-ik], /tsʊˈnɑ mɪk, -ˈnæm ɪk/, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH tsunami
cyclone, hurricane, tidal wave, tornado, tsunami , typhoonWords nearby tsunami
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use tsunami in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for tsunami
tsunami
/ (tsʊˈnæmɪ) /
noun plural -mis or -mi
a large, often destructive, sea wave produced by a submarine earthquake, subsidence, or volcanic eruption. Sometimes incorrectly called a tidal wave
a sudden increase in or overwhelming number or volume ofthe tsunami of Olympic visitors
Word Origin for tsunami
from Japanese, from tsu port + nami wave
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for tsunami
tsunami
[ tsōō-nä′mē ]
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for tsunami
tsunami
[ (tsooh-nah-mee) ]
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.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.