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holocaust

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Holocaust

Main Entry:: ho·lo·caust
Pronunciation:: \ˈhō-lə-ˌkȯst, ˈhä- also -ˌkäst or ˈhȯ-lə-kȯst\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Late Latin holocaustum, from Greek holokauston, from neuter of holokaustos burnt whole, from hol- + kaustos burnt, from kaiein to burn — more at caustic
Date:: 13th century

1: a sacrifice consumed by fire2: a thorough destruction involving extensive loss of life especially through fire <a nuclear holocaust>3 aoften capitalized : the mass slaughter of European civilians and especially Jews by the Nazis during World War II —usually used with the b: a mass slaughter of people ; especially : genocide

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