From Mirriam Webster:
"Main Entry: ca·tas·tro·phe
Pronunciation: k&-'tas-tr&-(")fE
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek katastrophE, from katastrephein to overturn, from kata- + strephein to turn
1 : the final event of the dramatic action especially of a tragedy
2 : a momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter overthrow or ruin
3 a : a violent and sudden change in a feature of the earth b : a violent usually destructive natural event (as a supernova)
4 : utter failure : FIASCO
- cat·a·stroph·ic /"ka-t&-'strä-fik/ adjective
- cat·a·stroph·i·cal·ly /-fi-k(&-)lE/ adverb