avalanches
|av-a-lanch|
🇺🇸
/ˈævəˌlæntʃ/
🇬🇧
/ˈævələntʃ/
(avalanche)
massive snow slide
Etymology
'avalanche' originates from French, specifically the word 'avalanche', where the element 'aval-' related to 'down' (compare French 'aval' meaning 'downstream' or 'below').
'avalanche' changed from Provençal/Occitan 'avalenca' and Old French forms into French 'avalanche' and was borrowed into English in the late 18th century as 'avalanche'.
Initially, it referred specifically to a mass of snow falling down a slope; over time it kept this literal meaning and also developed a figurative sense meaning 'a sudden overwhelming quantity' (as in 'an avalanche of complaints').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'avalanche': a large mass of snow, ice, and rocks rapidly falling down a mountainside.
Avalanches are a major hazard for ski resorts in high mountains.
Synonyms
Noun 2
plural form of 'avalanche' used figuratively: a sudden, large, and often overwhelming quantity of something (e.g., complaints, requests, evidence).
After the announcement, the company received avalanches of customer complaints.
Synonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'avalanche': (1) to fall or slide like an avalanche; (2) to overwhelm or inundate suddenly.
When the storm hit, wet snow avalanches from the steeper slopes.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/30 15:39