Word of the day: fusillade

The word of the day is fusillade:

1. a simultaneous or continuous discharge of firearms.
2. a general discharge or outpouring of anything

"simultaneous discharge of firearms," 1801, from Fr. fusillade, from fusiller "to shoot," from fusil "musket" (see fusilier).

(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fusillade)

"The structure is called a lighthouse because 146 four-kilowatt lights are mounted on its summit.  They point straight up, assaulting the heavens with a fusillade of light intense enough to cause blackouts in surrounding neighborhoods."

 - Charles Mann, 1493: Uncovering the World Columbus Created