An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A stream of water flowing with great rapidity and violence. See also → rapids.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from M.Fr. torrent, from L. torrentem (nominative torrens) “a rushing (stream),” from torrere, “to parch, dry up, roast,” → torrid.

Etymology (PE): Lâhez, from Tabari lahez “an overwhelming flow,” Baxtiyâri lâhiz “flood.” The first component lâh, lah maybe related to lur, Lori, Kordi laf, Tabari lé “flood,” → cataclysm.