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Webster 1913 Edition


Torrent

Tor′rent

,
Noun.
[F., fr. L.
torrens
,
-entis
, fr.
torrens
burning, roaring, boiling, p. pr. of
torrere
to dry by heat, to burn. See
Torrid
.]
1.
A violent stream, as of water, lava, or the like; a stream suddenly raised and running rapidly, as down a precipice.
The roaring
torrent
is deep and wide.
Longfellow.
2.
Fig.: A violent or rapid flow; a strong current; a flood;
as, a
torrent
of vices; a
torrent
of eloquence
.
At length, Erasmus, that great injured name, . . .
Stemmed the wild
torrent
of a barbarous age.
Pope.

Tor′rent

,
Adj.
[See
Torrent
,
Noun.
]
Rolling or rushing in a rapid stream.
“Waves of torrent fire.”
Milton.

Webster 1828 Edition


Torrent

TOR'RENT

,
Noun.
[L. torrens. This is the participle of torreo, to parch; Eng. tear.]
1.
A violent rushing stream of water or other fluid; a stream suddenly raised and running rapidly, as down a precipice; as a torrent of lava.
2.
A violent or rapid stream; a strong current; as a torrent of vices and follies; a torrent of corruption.
Erasmus, that great injur'd name,
Stemm'd the wild torrent of a barb'rous age.

TOR'RENT

,
Adj.
Rolling or rushing in a rapid stream; as waves of torrent fire.