Avalanche
Pronunciation : Av"a*lanche`
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. avalanche, fr. avaler to descend, to let down, from aval down, downward; ad) + val, L. vallis, valley. See Valley.]
Definition : 1. A large mass or body of snow and ice sliding swiftly down a mountain side, or falling down a precipice.
2. A fall of earth, rocks, etc., similar to that of an avalanche of snow or ice.
3. A sudden, great, or irresistible descent or influx of anything.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913