n. [ F. avalanche, fr. avaler to descend, to let down, from aval down, downward; &unr_; (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. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A fall of earth, rocks, etc., similar to that of an avalanche of snow or ice. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. A sudden, great, or irresistible descent or influx of anything. [ 1913 Webster ]