blizzard
UK[ˈblɪz.əd]US[ˈblɪz.ɚd]
n
A severe snowstorm with strong winds and low visibility.
n
A large or overwhelming quantity of things that come suddenly.
Etymology
The origin of 'blizzard' is obscure but likely American English, first appearing in print in the 1870s. It may be onomatopoeic, imitating the violent, blowing force of the wind, or it could be an arbitrary coinage that gained traction. The term quickly evolved from its initial, possibly more general meaning of a violent blow or blast to specifically denote a severe snowstorm. Its vivid and forceful sound perfectly captured the phenomenon, leading to its rapid adoption into the standard lexicon for extreme winter weather.
Analysis
The word 'blizzard' is a simplex word of uncertain origin. It is not productively formed from identifiable, separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The blizzard shut down the airport for two full days.
We were caught in a sudden blizzard while hiking in the mountains.
The company was hit by a blizzard of complaints after the product launch.