Dictionary

dirtfall en · NOUN

Etymology

From dirt + fall, modelled after waterfall.

Meanings

1. (rare) A cascade of falling dirt and accompanying debris; a landslide or avalanche.
   • The little colony was thriving, having the benefit of water, a nearby supply of wood, an abundance of plants, animals and fish and minimal damage from the dirtfall. 2012, George Groves Jr., Eden... Closed, page 531:
   • Dirt and rocks cascade from above you. It's like a waterfall of dirt—a dirtfall!—and you cover your head and take a breath, bending forward in hopes of creating an air pocket for yourself. The dirtfall buries you. 2005, Nancy Holder, Keep Me in Mind, page 126:
   • She glanced at Charlie and saw that a pair of arms had snaked out of the wall to trap his lower legs. The dirtfall doubled in volume. 2010, F. Paul Wilson, The Haunted Air: A Repairman Jack Novel, page 477:
   • The road curved as it roughened, with some dirtfalls cascading onto the road in some places from rain and wind. 2014, Diana Marcellas, The Sea Lark's Song:

Forms