First Known Use: 1897
Dictionary
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
TSUNAMI Defined for Kids
tsunami
noun tsu·na·mi \su̇-ˈnä-mē\
Definition of TSUNAMI for Kids
: a large sea wave produced especially by an earthquake or volcanic eruption under the sea : tidal wave
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