Av"a*lanche` [F. avalanche, fr. avaler to descend, to let down, from aval down, downward; (L. ad) + val, L. vallis, valley. See Valley.]
1.
A large mass or body of snow and ice sliding swiftly down a mountain side, or falling down a precipice.
2.
A fall of earth, rocks, etc., similar to that of an avalanche of snow or ice.
3.
A sudden, great, or irresistible descent or influx of anything.
© Webster 1913.