Holocaust



GRE Barron

解释

GRE 红宝书

• n. 大屠杀, 浩劫
• ［英］ n. 大屠杀, 浩劫 ( great or total destruction of life by fire)
• ［记］ holo ( 全部) +caust ( 烧) -> 全部烧掉 -> 大屠杀
• ［同］ 同根词: caustic ( 腐蚀性的) ; cauterize ( 烧灼)

Webster Collegiate

noun

• Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin holocaustum, from Greek holokauston, from neuter of holokaustos burnt whole, from hol- + kaustos burnt, from kaiein to burn — more at caustic
• Date: 13th century
• 1. a sacrifice consumed by fire
• 2. a thorough destruction involving extensive loss of life especially through fire <a nuclear holocaust>
• 3.
  • a. often capitalized the mass slaughter of European civilians and especially Jews by the Nazis during World War II — usually used with the
  • b. a mass slaughter of people; especially genocide

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