Noun: tidal wave
- A wave resulting from the periodic flow of the tides that is caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon and sun
"The tidal wave brought in a surge of water twice daily"
- An unusual (and often destructive) rise of water along the seashore caused by a storm or a combination of wind and high tide
"The coastal town was devastated by the tidal wave following the hurricane"
- An overwhelming manifestation of some emotion or phenomenon
"a tidal wave of crime"; "a tidal wave of nausea"; "the flood of letters hit him with the force of a tidal wave"
Derived forms: tidal waves
Type of: calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, disaster, manifestation, moving ridge, tragedy, wave
Encyclopedia: Tidal wave