dis-as-ter. Pronunciation: (di-zas'tur, -zä'stur), [key] n. (1) a calamitous event, esp. one occurring suddenly and causing great loss of life, damage, or hardship, as a flood, airplane crash, or business failure. (2) Obs.an unfavorable aspect of a star or planet. (From: Infoplease/ http: //www.infoplease.com/ipd/A0409314.html on 28 June 2004)