CATACLYSMIC

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does cataclysmic mean? 

• CATACLYSMIC (adjective)
  The adjective CATACLYSMIC has 1 sense:

1. severely destructive

  Familiarity information: CATACLYSMIC used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CATACLYSMIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Severely destructive

Synonyms:

cataclysmal; cataclysmic

Context example:

a cataclysmic earthquake

Similar:

destructive (causing destruction or much damage)

Derivation:

cataclysm (an event resulting in great loss and misfortune)

 Context examples 

For the first time, scientists have observed ripples in the fabric of spacetime called gravitational waves, arriving at the earth from a cataclysmic event in the distant universe.

(Gravitational Waves Detected 100 Years After Einstein's Prediction, NASA)

This cataclysmic interaction released as much energy as our Sun emits in 10 million years.

(Dramatic Stellar Fireworks of Star Birth, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

The cataclysmic 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines masked the full impact of greenhouse gases on accelerating sea level rise, according to a new study.

(Volcanic eruption masked acceleration in sea level rise, NSF)

But they also revealed what could turn out to be an unexpected variety in the individual details of these cataclysmic stellar events.

(Kepler Catches Early Flash of an Exploding Star, NASA)

This cataclysmic interaction released as much energy as our Sun emits in 10 million years.

(ALMA Captures Dramatic Stellar Fireworks, ESO)