Catastrophe

kat-as′trō-fē, n. an overturning: a final event: an unfortunate conclusion: a calamity.— adj. Catastroph′ic — ns. Catas′trophism , the theory in geology that accounts for 'breaks in the succe ion' by the hypothesis of vast catastrophes—world-wide destruction of floras and faunas, and the sudden introduction or creation of new forms of life, after the forces of nature had sunk into repose; Catas′trophist , a holder of the foregoing, as opposed to the uniformitarian theory. [Gr., kata , down, strep he in , to turn.]