English Dictionary

tidal wave

/ˈtaɪdəlweɪv/

noun

A large and sudden rise and fall in the tide. / (proscribed) A large, sudden, and disastrous wave of water caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean; a tsunami. (See Usage notes below.)

The coastal town was devastated by a massive tidal wave.

意味（1）

A large and sudden rise and fall in the tide.

意味（2）

(proscribed) A large, sudden, and disastrous wave of water caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean; a tsunami. (See Usage notes below.)

The last tidal wave here killed twenty and left thousands homeless.

意味（3）

(proscribed) A large, sudden inundation of water from the storm surge, or waves of that surge; a sudden surge of river water.

During the day conditions worsened quickly—for example, a 2-6-0 on the Uckfield line suddenly encountered flood water high enough to enter its ashpan and extinguish its fire—until lock gates up-river at Barcombe gave way and a tidal wave rolled down the valley meeting head-on a spring tide rolling up from the coast.

意味（4）

(figuratively) A sudden and powerful surge.

But this is no stream, folks. This will be a tidal wave that can swamp our democracy.

意味（5）

(archaic) A crest of ocean water; a wave.

意味（6）

(oceanography) A crest of ocean water resulting from tidal forces.