This center , formed of indefinite molecules , began to revolve around its own axis during its gradual condensation ; then , following the immutable laws of mechanics , in proportion as its bulk diminished by condensation , its rotary motion became accelerated , and these two effects continuing , the result was the formation of one principal star , ...
famine - a severe shortage of food (as through crop failure) resulting in violent hunger and starvation and death. calamity, catastrophe, tragedy, disaster, cataclysm - an event resulting in great loss and misfortune; the whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity; the earthquake was a disaster.
Noun. 1. famine-an acute insufficiency. dearth, shortage. deficiency, lack, want-the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable; there is a serious lack of insight into the problem; water is the critical deficiency in desert regions; for want of a nail the shoe was lost.