Avalanche Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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avalanche
[หรฆv.ษ.lรฆntส ]
Definitions
natural disaster
An avalanche is a sudden and powerful flow of snow, ice, and rocks down a mountainside. It is a dangerous event that can cause destruction and loss of life.
Synonyms
snow avalanche, snowslide, snowslip.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| avalanche |
Can refer to any large mass of snow, ice, rocks, or debris that moves quickly down a mountainside. Often used generally and metaphorically to describe a sudden, overwhelming arrival of something.
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| snowslide |
A less commonly used term that also refers to a sudden slide of snow down a slope. May be used interchangeably with snow avalanche but is less formal.
|
| snow avalanche |
Specifically focuses on snow when describing an avalanche. It is useful when clarification is needed to differentiate from other types of avalanches involving rocks or debris.
|
| snowslip |
An even rarer term that describes a smaller or less intense slip of snow down a slope. May emphasize a minor event in comparison to a full avalanche.
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Examples of usage
- The avalanche buried the small village under a thick blanket of snow.
- She narrowly escaped being caught in the avalanche.
large amount
An avalanche can also refer to a large amount of something that arrives or happens at the same time, overwhelming everything in its path.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| avalanche |
Typically used to describe a massive, sudden flow of snow and ice down a mountain. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a sudden overwhelming quantity of something.
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| deluge |
Usually refers to a heavy downpour of rain causing flooding. Can also be used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming amount of something, but often with a more neutral or slightly negative tone.
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| flood |
Refers to an overflow of water onto normally dry land, often causing damage. Also metaphorically used to describe a large amount of something appearing at once.
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| onslaught |
Describes a fierce or destructive attack. In a non-literal sense, it can refer to a large quantity of something happening suddenly and forcefully. Often carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The store experienced an avalanche of customers during the holiday sale.
- The company received an avalanche of complaints after the product recall.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Snowpack stability is crucial; layers of snow can become unstable due to warming temperatures and added weight with more snowfall.
- Different types of avalanches include slab avalanches, which are triggered when a cohesive layer of snow breaks loose.
- Experts use various tools like GPS and weather measurements to predict when and where avalanches might happen.
Safety
- Avalanches can happen quickly, often without warning, making knowledge of safe traveling in snowy areas essential.
- Many mountain areas have avalanche warning systems to alert visitors about the risks present.
- When caught in an avalanche, it is advised to try to move to the side or use your arms to create an air pocket if buried.
Pop Culture
- Avalanches have been featured prominently in films, often as thrilling hazards for characters in outdoor adventures.
- Video games often include avalanche scenes for dramatic effect, such as in 'SSX' snowboarding series, where players race against falling snow.
- Music and art also reflect avalanches metaphorically, representing overwhelming emotions or situations in various works.
Literature
- In poetry, avalanches symbolize sudden and overwhelming changes in life or nature.
- Literature sometimes uses avalanches as a plot device to create tension and conflict, such as in survival stories.
- Classic adventure novels often depict characters facing the danger of an avalanche in their quests, underscoring human struggle against nature.
Origin of 'avalanche'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'avalanche' comes from the French word 'avalanche,' meaning a 'snow slide.'
- It is derived from the Latin word 'advalere,' which means to 'slide down' or 'fall down.'
- In Switzerland, where avalanches are common, local dialects have various terms like 'lawine' reflecting regional influences.
The word 'avalanche' originated from the Franco-Provenรงal word 'lavantse', which means 'falling'. It has been used in English since the early 18th century to describe the sudden descent of snow down a mountainside. Avalanches are natural phenomena that have been a part of mountainous regions for centuries, posing risks to travelers and residents alike.