catastrophic, a.
(kætəˈstrɒfɪk)
[ad. Gr. καταστροϕικ-ός, f. καταστροϕή catastrophe.]
Of the nature of, or belonging to, a catastrophe: esp. in the history of the earth or the universe.
| 1837 Whewell Hist. Induct. Sc. (1857) III. 512 The supposed proofs of catastrophic transition. 1849 Murchison Siluria xx. 491 A catastrophic destruction of such animals. 1871 E. H. Plumptre Spirits in Pris. (1884) 348 Events which are not continuous, but catastrophic..such as the Resurrection and the Last Judgment. |