Main Entry: ca·lam·i·ty

Pronunciation: \kə-ˈla-mə-tē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ca·lam·i·ties

Etymology: Middle English calamytey, from Latin calamitat-, calamitas; perhaps akin to Latin clades destruction

Date: 15th century

1 : a state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss
2 : a disastrous event marked by great loss and lasting distress and suffering <calamities of nature> <an economic calamity>