fallout

English

/ˈfɔːlaʊt/, /ˈfɔlˌaʊt/

noun
Definitions
  • The event of small airborne particles falling to the ground in significant quantities as a result of major industrial activity, volcano eruption, sandstorm, nuclear explosion, etc.
  • The particles themselves.
  • A negative side effect; an undesirable or unexpected consequence.
  • (rare) A declined offer in a sales transaction when acceptance was presumed.
  • (rare) The person who declines such an offer.
  • (radio) An impromptu guest used to fill in for another guest spot who is a no show or who has cancelled last minute

Etymology

Compound from English fall + English out (surpassing, beyond, outward, away from).

Origin

English

out

Gloss

surpassing, beyond, outward, away from

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms