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.
For other famines in Ireland, see Irish famine (disambiguation). The Great Famine (Irish: an Gorta MÃ³r, [anË  ËgÉÉ¾Ë tÌªË a mË oËÉ¾Ë ]) or the Great Hunger was a period of mass starvation, disease, and emigration in Ireland between 1845 and 1852.