avalanche
Translation
avalanche
Examples
The skiers were caught in an avalanche.
The skiers were caught in an avalanche.
We received an avalanche of complaints.
We received an avalanche of complaints.
Grammar Patterns
((an)) avalanche a mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling rapidly down a mountainside The skiers were caught in an avalanche.
((an)) avalanche ((of sth.)) a sudden arrival of something in overwhelming quantities We received an avalanche of complaints.
Similar Words
Synonyms: snowslide, landslide, barrage, flood
Etymology
From French 'avalanche', which comes from Late Latin 'labina' meaning a slip or landslide.
Memory Tips
Imagine a large amount of snow 'launching' down a mountain. 'Ava-launch' can help connect the word to the image of a snowslide.