avalanche
avalanche Lexical Profile
avalanche Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large mass of snow, ice, soil, or rock detached from a mountain slope and sliding or falling suddenly downward.
"The ski resort closed the upper trails after heavy snowfall increased the risk of an avalanche."
A sudden, overwhelming arrival or outpouring of a large quantity of things.
"The customer service department received an avalanche of inquiries after the new product was announced."
• verb
To descend or slide down a mountain slope in a sudden, massive rush (of snow, ice, or rock).
"Tons of loose snow avalanched down the steep ravine after the afternoon thaw."
To overwhelm or inundate with a sudden, large quantity of something.
"Enthusiastic fans avalanched the radio station with requests for the band's latest single."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 18th century from French avalanche, adapted from Swiss French dialects of the Savoy Alps (lavanche), which traces back to a pre-Latin Alpine word blended with Old French avaler, meaning 'to descend'.