Definition of "holocaust" []

• Great destruction resulting in the extensive loss of life, especially by fire. (noun)
• The genocide of European Jews and others by the Nazis during World War II: "Israel emerged from the Holocaust and is defined in relation to that catastrophe” ( Emanuel Litvinoff). (noun)
• A massive slaughter: "an important document in the so-far sketchy annals of the Cambodian holocaust” ( Rod Nordland). (noun)
• A sacrificial offering that is consumed entirely by flames. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Many linguists believe that the word holocaust, which is a Greek word -- holo means all and caust meaning "to burn to ashes", was originally coined to refer to a criminal incident in ancient Yemen committed by Jews who burnt alive a large group of chained and handcuffed men, women and children for their adherence to teachings the Jesus Christ (PBUH)."
• "I had consciously used the word holocaust to describe the indiscriminate bombardment of Beirut because I knew it would have a special meaning for Begin."
• "•The word "holocaust" - which now signifies World War II genocide - has been replaced by "burnt offering.""