apoc·a·lypse /əˈpɑkəˌlɪps/
 啟示,天啟


 A·poc·a·lypse n.
 1. Eccl. One of a numerous class of writings proceeding from Jewish authors between 250  b. c. and 150 a. d., and designed to propagate the Jewish faith or to cheer the hearts of the Jewish people with the promise of deliverance and glory; or proceeding from Christian authors of the opening centuries and designed to portray the future.
 2. Specifically, the revelation delivered to St. John, in the isle of Patmos, near the close of the first century, forming the last book of the New Testament (called Revelation or the Apocalypse).
 3. Anything viewed as a revelation, especially one that is highly significant for the person receiving it; a disclosure.  Often used of a realization or revelation that changes a person's goals or style of life.
    The new apocalypse of Nature.   --Carlyle.

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 apocalypse
      n 1: a cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers
           of evil
      2: the last book of the New Testament; contains visionary
         descriptions of heaven and of conflicts between good and
         evil and of the end of the world; attributed to Saint John
         the apostle [syn: Revelation, {Revelation of Saint John
         the Divine, Book of Revelation]


 Apocalypse
    the Greek name of the Book of Revelation (q.v.).



 Apocalypse, uncovering, revelation