torrent

¹tor·rent

noun \ˈtȯr-ənt, ˈtär-\

: a large amount of water that moves very quickly in one direction

: a large amount of something that is released suddenly

Full Definition of TORRENT

1

:  a tumultuous outpouring :  rush

2

:  a violent stream of a liquid (as water or lava)

3

:  a channel of a mountain stream

Examples of TORRENT

1. The storm turned the stream into a raging torrent.
2. The rain came down in torrents.

Origin of TORRENT

Middle French, from Latin torrent-, torrens, from torrent-, torrens, adjective, burning, seething, rushing, from present participle of torrēre to parch, burn — more at thirst

First Known Use: 1582

Related to TORRENT

Synonyms

alluvion, bath, cataclysm, cataract, deluge, flood tide, inundation, Niagara, overflow, spate, flood

Antonyms

drought (also drouth)

Related Words

current, river, stream, tide; cloudburst, discharge, flush, gush, outflow, outpouring; flux, inflow, influx; engulfment, washout; avalanche, blizzard; cascade, waterfall; excess, glut, overabundance, overage, overkill, overmuch, oversupply, superabundance, superfluity, surfeit, surplus

Near Antonyms

dribble, drip, trickle

Rhymes with TORRENT

horrent, warrant

²torrent

adjective

Definition of TORRENT

:  torrential

First Known Use of TORRENT

1667