TIDAL WAVE Definition & Meaning

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tidal wave

noun

(not in technical use) a large, destructive ocean wave, produced by a seaquake, hurricane, or strong wind.
either of the two great wavelike swellings of the ocean surface that move around the earth on opposite sides and give rise to tide, caused by the attraction of the moon and sun.
any widespread or powerful movement, opinion, or tendency.
a tidal wave of public indignation.

tidal wave

noun

a name (not accepted in technical usage) for tsunami
an unusually large incoming wave, often caused by high winds and spring tides
a forceful and widespread movement in public opinion, action, etc

tidal wave

Either of the two swells or crests of surface ocean water created by the gravitational effects of the Moon and Sun and circling the globe on opposite sides to create the daily periods of high and low tides.
Also called tidal bulge
An unusual rise in the level of water along a seacoast, as from a storm or a combination of wind and tide.
Also called storm surge
A tsunami.

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Usage

The term tidal wave is used in everyday speech to refer to a gigantic and enormously destructive wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption—what scientists would properly call a tsunami. When scientists use the word tidal wave, they normally are referring to an unusually large wave or bulge of water that sometimes occurs around a high tide. These tidal waves are certainly big and powerful, but they are tiny in comparison with tsunamis.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of tidal wave¹

First recorded in 1820–30

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Those factors generate a tidal wave of tax revenue, especially among the state’s highest-income professionals and entrepreneurs, thanks to the progressive structure of U.S. tax rates.

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“Dreamgirls” surged into the South Bay on Saturday on a tidal wave of high-flying emotion, raucous rhythms and captivating stage movement.

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Environment Secretary Steve Reed said new measures would stop water companies dumping a "tidal wave of sewage into our rivers while pocketing millions of pounds of bonuses".

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In his first interview since the claims emerged, Wallace said that he had received "a tidal wave of abuse" on social media after posting a video on Instagram hitting out at his accusers.

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"If a tidal wave of Chinese exports ends up swamping those markets and damaging employment and jobs … that's a massive diplomatic and geopolitical headache for the Chinese leadership."

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