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Webster 1913 Edition

Cataclysm

Cat′a-clysm

,
Noun.
[L.
cataclysmos
, Gr.
κατακλυσμός
, from [GREEK] to dash over, inundate;
κατά
downward, against + [GREEK] to wash or dash over: cf. F.
cataclysme
.]
1.
An extensive overflow or sweeping flood of water; a deluge.
2.
(Geol.)
Any violent catastrophe, involving sudden and extensive changes of the earth’s surface.

Definition 2024

cataclysm

cataclysm

English

Noun

cataclysm ‎(plural cataclysms)

  1. A sudden, violent event.
  2. (geology) A sudden and violent change in the earth's crust.
  3. A great flood.

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

Etymology

French cataclysme, from Latin cataclysmus, from Ancient Greek κατακλυσμός ‎(kataklusmós, “deluge, flood”), from κατακλύζω ‎(kataklúzō, “to dash over, flood, deluge, inundate”), from κατά ‎(katá, “downwards, towards”) + κλύζω ‎(klúzō, “to wash off, to wash away, to dash over”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈkætəˌklɪzm̩/

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