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cataclysmic variable
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cataclysm

cat·a·clysm [ káttə klìzzəm ] (plural cat·a·clysms)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. disaster: a sudden and violent upheaval or disaster that causes great changes in society

2. flood: a terrible and devastating natural disaster such as a flood

[Early 17th century. Via French< Greek kataklusmos "deluge" < kluzein "wash"]

cat·a·clys·mal [ kàttə klízməl ] adjective
cat·a·clys·mic [ kàttə klízmik ] adjective
cat·a·clys·mi·cal·ly [ kàttə klízmikəlee ] adverb
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