tsunami

[tsoo-nah-mee] /tsʊˈnɑ mi/
noun
1.
an unusually large sea wave produced by a seaquake or undersea volcanic eruption.
Also called seismic sea wave.
Origin
1905-10; < Japanese, equivalent to tsu harbor (earlier tu) + nami wave
Related forms
tsunamic
[tsoo-nah-mik, -nam-ik] /tsʊˈnɑ mɪk, -ˈnæm ɪk/ (Show IPA), adjective
Can be confused
cyclone, hurricane, tidal wave, tornado, tsunami, typhoon.
Examples from the web for tsunami
  • The movie does not convey the tsunami which followed directly after the explosion.
  • Communication buoy for a bottom pressure sensor, for tsunami detection.
British Dictionary definitions for tsunami

tsunami

/tsʊˈnæmɪ/
noun (pl) -mis, -mi
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
Word Origin
from Japanese, from tsu port + nami wave
Word Origin and History for tsunami
n.

1897, from Japanese tsunami, from tsu "harbor" + nami "waves."

tsunami in Science
tsunami
  (ts-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.
tsunami in Culture
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.