online medical dictionary | definition of disaster

1. An unpropitious or baleful aspect of a planet or star; malevolent influence of a heavenly body; hence, an ill portent. "Disasters in the sun." (Shak)

2. An adverse or unfortunate event, especially. A sudden and extraordinary misfortune; a calamity; a serious mishap. "But noble souls, through dust and heat, Rise from disaster and defeat The stronger." (Longfellow)

Synonyms: Calamity, misfortune, mishap, mischance, visitation, misadventure, ill luck. See Calamity.

Origin: F. Desastre; pref. Des- (L. Dis-) + astre star, fr. L. Astrum; a word of astrological origin. See Aster, Astral, Star.

(01 Mar 1998)