Av"a*lanche` (?; 277), n. [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.