Ca-tăs'tro-phe, n.
(-tăs'tro-fē), n. [Lat. catastropha, Gr. καταστροφή, from καταστρέφειν, to turn up and down, to overturn, from κατά, down, and στρέφειν, to turn.]
Sense 1. An event producing a subversion of the order or system of things; a final event, usually of a calamitous or disastrous nature.
The most horrible and portentous catastrophe that nature ever yet saw. Woodward.
Sense 2. The change or revolution which produces the final event of a dramatic piece; the unfolding and winding up of the plot, clearing up difficulties, and closing the play; dénouement.