Cataclysmic: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The root of this term comes from the Greek word 'kataklysmos', meaning flood.
• The usage has evolved over centuries, first referring specifically to floods and then expanding to include any major disaster.

Science

• The term is often used to describe major geological events, like the impact of asteroids that can lead to mass extinctions.
• Research shows that cataclysmic events can alter climate patterns, affecting life on Earth for thousands of years.

Pop Culture

• Many disaster movies depict cataclysmic events, such as alien invasions or supervolcano eruptions, emphasizing dramatic visual effects.
• The term appears frequently in literature and music, often symbolizing personal upheaval or societal breakdown.

Environmental Impact

• Cataclysmic events in nature, such as tsunamis or volcanic eruptions, can have long-lasting effects on ecosystems and human populations.
• Scientists study past cataclysmic events to better prepare for potential future disasters.

Psychology

• Experiencing or witnessing a cataclysmic event can lead to trauma and long-term psychological effects.
• People may respond to news of such events with feelings of helplessness or anxiety about future disasters.

At rank #26,699, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 26696 birthing
• 26697 tangentially
• 26698 computerization
• 26699 cataclysmic
• 26700 galvanizing
• 26701 sprained
• 26702 multicolored
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