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Avʹalanche (3 syl.)

means properly something which goes downwards (French, à val). The word is applied to a mass of snow mixed with earth, ice, and stones, which slips down a mountain side to the lower ground. Metaphorically, we speak of an “avalanche of applause,” an “avalanche of bouquets” showered on the stage, etc.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Austin Friars
Austrian Lip
Aut Cæsar aut nullus [Latin, Either Cæsar or no one]
Authentic Doctor
Auto da Fe. [An act of faith.]
Autolycus
Automaton
Automedon
Autumn
Ava
Avalanche
Avalon
Avant Courier. (French, avant courrier.)
Avant Garde. (French.)
Avatar
Ave Maria [Hail, Mary!] (Ave, 2 syl.)
Avenel
Avenger of Blood (The)
Avernus (Greek, a-ornis, “without a bird”)
Avertin (St.)
Avesta