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Definitions from the Web

Term: Potato Famine

Description:

The term "Potato Famine" refers to a devastating period of mass hunger and starvation that occurred in Ireland between the years 1845 and 1852. It was caused by an extensive potato crop failure, primarily due to the spread of a fungal disease known as the late blight, or Phytophthora infestans. The potato famine had severe social, economic, and demographic consequences for Ireland, leading to widespread emigration, population decline, and immense suffering.

Senses and Usages:

1. Noun: An acute scarcity of potatoes leading to a significant food shortage, particularly in Ireland during the mid-19th century.

2. Noun: A historical event characterized by widespread hunger, disease, and human suffering due to the failure of the potato crop in Ireland between 1845 and 1852.

3. Noun: Any similar catastrophic failure of a crop, especially one that leads to significant famine and social turmoil.

Sample Sentences:

1. During the potato famine, millions of people in Ireland faced dire hunger and desperate poverty.

2. The potato famine had a lasting impact on Irish society, causing a large-scale emigration to other parts of the world.

3. The devastating effects of the potato famine compelled the government to implement various relief measures.

4. Many families were uprooted and displaced as a result of the potato famine, leaving behind their homeland in search of a better life.

Related Products:

Explore the following books on the topic:

• The Great Hunger: Ireland
• The Irish Potato Famine
• Irish History: A Captivating Guide to the History of Ireland