holocausto

holocaust

noun oh-loh-KOWS-toh Rare

Origin: From Greek holokauston ('wholly burnt'), from holos ('whole') + kaustos ('burnt').

Also means

burnt offering

Usage Note

Holocausto carries its gravest modern meaning as the Nazi genocide of Jews and others in World War II, always capitalised in that specific sense (el Holocausto). In its original sense it means a burnt sacrificial offering. In less formal use it can denote any massive destruction or catastrophe, though this extension should be used with sensitivity given the historical weight of the word.

Examples

"El holocausto fue una tragedia sin precedentes."

Natural Translation

The Holocaust was an unprecedented tragedy.

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