tsunami
tsoo-NAH-mee
/tsuːˈnɑːmi/
A long, massive ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide.
Specifically denotes seismic or displacement-generated ocean waves rather than wind-driven surface waves.
The story behind the word. In Japan, fishermen returning home from calm deep-sea fishing trips would sometimes find their harbors completely destroyed by massive surges. Because these long waves were unnoticed in deep water but built into giant walls in shallow harbors, they called them 'tsunami'—literally 'harbor wave'. International oceanographers formally adopted the Japanese word in 1963.
Word relationships
- tidal wave: 'Tidal wave' is an inaccurate popular term, whereas 'tsunami' is the scientifically correct name for a seismic sea wave.
- ripple: A minute surface oscillation on water, opposite to a catastrophic tsunami wave.
Commonly confused with
- storm surge: A storm surge is driven by hurricane winds and low pressure; a tsunami is generated by seafloor geological shifts.
Collocations
- tsunami warning
- tsunami wave
- devastating tsunami
- tsunami displacement
Idioms & expressions
- a tsunami of (metaphorical flood of something)
Example sentences
- "Following the undersea earthquake, coastal authorities issued an immediate tsunami warning." Geological Alert
- "Early detection buoys in the Pacific Ocean help calculate the speed and path of incoming tsunami surges." Current Events
Memory hook
TSU (harbor) + NAMI (wave) = the giant wave that surges into harbors. Harbor wave of seismic power.
When not to use
Do not use for ordinary wind storm surges, high tides, or general rough weather waves.
Fun facts
- In deep open ocean waters, a tsunami may be only a few inches high and travel at speeds exceeding 500 miles per hour.
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