tsunami

noun tsu·na·mi \(t)su̇-ˈnä-mē\

: a very high, large wave in the ocean that is usually caused by an earthquake under the sea and that can cause great destruction when it reaches land

plural tsunamis also tsunami

Full Definition of TSUNAMI

: a great sea wave produced especially by submarine earth movement or volcanic eruption : tidal wave

— tsu·na·mic \-mik\ adjective

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Origin of TSUNAMI

Japanese, from tsu harbor + nami wave

First Known Use: 1897

Rhymes with TSUNAMI

gourami, Khatami, Lomami, pastrami, salami, tatami, umami

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "tsunami"

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