holcaust -
n. 1 a case of large-scale destruction, esp. by fire or nuclear war.
2 (the Holocaust) the mass murder of the Jews by the Nazis 1939-45.
3 a sacrifice wholly consumed by
fire.
[ME f. OF holocauste f. LL holocaustum f. Gk holokauston (as HOLO-, kaustos burnt f. kaio burn)]