Căt'a-clysm, n.

(kăt'a-klĭzm), n. [Lat. cataclysmos, Gr. κατακλυσμός, from κατακλύζειν, to dash over, inundate, from κατά, downward, against, and κλύζειν, to wash or dash over; Fr. cataclysme.] An extensive overflow or sweeping flood of water; a deluge. Hale.