tsunami
n. countablen. a giant, powerful ocean wave caused by an earthquake or volcano under the sea. It can travel very fast and cause a lot of damage when it hits land.
n. a series of massive sea waves generated by a large-scale underwater disturbance, such as a seismic event or volcanic eruption. Characterised by long wavelengths and high velocity in deep water, followed by significant height increase upon reaching shallow coastal areas.
The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that reached the coast in minutes.
Coastal towns now use early warning systems to detect underwater tremors and evacuate residents before a tsunami arrives.
Geological evidence suggests that the prehistoric tsunami was powerful enough to carry massive boulders several miles inland, permanently altering the topography of the low-lying coastal plain.
Borrowed from Japanese 津波 (tsunami), from 津 (tsu, “harbour”) + 波 (nami, “wave”).
Commonly used with verbs like 'trigger', 'generate', or 'strike'.