noun

tsunami

tsunami, tidal wave

The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami.

The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami.

They issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas.

They issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas.

a/the tsunami a large ocean wave A tsunami can cause widespread destruction.

Synonyms: tidal wave, seismic sea wave

From Japanese 津 (tsu, 'harbor') + 波 (nami, 'wave'). Literally 'harbor wave'.

Remember its Japanese origin: 'tsu' (harbor) + 'nami' (wave). Picture a giant wave flooding a harbor.

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