The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

tsunami

IPA:

Dictionary definition of tsunami

A large ocean wave that is caused by a sudden and large displacement of water, typically as a result of an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption.
"The coastal village was devastated by the powerful tsunami."

Detailed meaning of tsunami

The word "tsunami" is a Japanese term that literally means "harbor wave," and it is used to describe a series of waves that can travel across the ocean at very high speeds. These waves can be extremely large, reaching heights of 100 feet or more, and can cause significant damage and loss of life when they reach coastal areas. Tsunamis form deep in the ocean and travel undetected until they reach shallow water near the coast, where they slow down and cause the wave to rise and increase in height. The impact of a tsunami can be devastating, with the potential to destroy buildings, infrastructure, and cause loss of life. Tsunamis are considered as one of the most destructive natural disasters and can be caused by both seismic and volcanic activities.

Example sentences containing tsunami

1. The devastating tsunami swept away entire coastal villages, leaving behind a path of destruction.
2. The warning system alerted the residents to evacuate as the tsunami approached the shoreline.
3. Survivors of the tsunami recounted their harrowing experiences of being engulfed by a wall of water.
4. The tsunami was triggered by a powerful earthquake deep beneath the ocean floor.
5. The aftermath of the tsunami brought a wave of international aid and support to the affected regions.
6. The tsunami waves reached heights of over 30 feet, crashing onto the shore with tremendous force.

History and etymology of tsunami

The noun 'tsunami' finds its etymological roots in the Japanese language. It is a combination of two Japanese characters: 'tsu,' which means 'harbor,' and 'nami,' which translates to 'wave.' The term 'tsunami' has been adopted into various languages around the world to describe a specific type of oceanic phenomenon: a massive, destructive wave that arises due to a sudden and substantial displacement of water, often triggered by events such as underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. This etymology emphasizes the connection between these powerful waves and their association with coastal areas, underscoring their potentially devastating impact on harbors and coastal regions.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun tsunami:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of tsunami

1. Scientists study the geological and oceanic factors that contribute to the occurrence of tsunamis.
2. The tsunami struck without warning, catching many people off guard and unprepared.
3. The devastation caused by the tsunami led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands in need of immediate assistance.
4. The government implemented stricter building codes to ensure better resilience against future tsunamis.
5. The survivors united to rebuild their communities after the tsunami, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
6. The tsunami warning system plays a crucial role in saving lives by providing early alerts.
7. The psychological trauma experienced by the survivors of the tsunami required long-term support and counseling.
8. The tsunami's impact was felt across the entire region, affecting multiple countries along the coast.
9. The magnitude of the tsunami's destruction was captured in heartbreaking images and videos.
10. The coastal regions underwent extensive reconstruction efforts to mitigate the impact of future tsunamis.
11. The tsunami disaster serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature.
12. Many lives were lost in the tsunami, and the world mourned the tragic loss of so many innocent souls.
13. Emergency response teams worked tirelessly to provide relief and aid to the survivors of the tsunami.
14. The survivors formed a close-knit community, supporting each other through the healing process after the tsunami.
15. The tsunami swept away everything in its path, leaving destruction in its wake.
16. The earthquake that triggered the tsunami was felt for miles around.
17. The warning system for tsunamis was not in place at the time of the disaster.
18. Many lives were lost in the tsunami that hit the region last year.
19. The government provided aid and resources to those affected by the tsunami.
20. The tsunami left behind a trail of debris and wreckage.
21. Survivors of the tsunami had to rebuild their homes and lives from scratch.
22. The charity organization collected donations to support the victims of the tsunami.
23. The tsunami was caused by a massive underwater earthquake.
24. The authorities urged residents to evacuate the area before the tsunami hit.
25. Scientists study tsunamis to better understand their causes and effects.