diluvial adjective. [dʌɪ'l(j)u:vɪǝl, dɪ-] M17.
[Late Latin diluvialis, from diluvium: see DILUVIUM, -AL¹.]
1. Of or pertaining to a deluge, esp. Noah's Flood. M17.

2. Geology. Produced by or resulting from a supposed general deluge, or periods of catastrophic action of water; of, pertaining to, or being diluvium. E19.
diluvial theory: postulating a general deluge or catastrophic flood as an explanation of geological features.

■ diluvialist noun an advocate of a diluvial theory E19.

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