Torrent

TOR'RENT, noun [Latin torrens. This is the participle of torreo, to parch; Eng. tear.]

1. A violent rushing stream of water or other fluid; a stream suddenly raised and running rapidly, as down a precipice; as a torrent of lava.

2. A violent or rapid stream; a strong current; as a torrent of vices and follies; a torrent of corruption.

Erasmus, that great injur'd name,

Stemm'd the wild torrent of a barb'rous age.