Plural of tsunami: huge ocean waves caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, or volcanic eruptions that can flood coastal areas.
From Japanese 'tsu' (harbor) + 'nami' (wave), literally 'harbor wave.' Japan adopted this term because tsunami waves often funnel into harbors with devastating effect, and it entered English scientific vocabulary in the 19th century.
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami traveled across the entire ocean at 500 mph—faster than a jet plane—yet it was only a few feet tall in deep water. Tsunamis are sneaky because the real danger isn't visible until the wave reaches shallow water and suddenly towers up.
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