This center , formed of indefinite molecules , began to revolve around its own axis during its gradual condensation ; then , following the immutable laws of mechanics , in proportion as its bulk diminished by condensation , its rotary motion became accelerated , and these two effects continuing , the result was the formation of one principal star , ...
famine - a severe shortage of food (as through crop failure) resulting in violent hunger and starvation and death. calamity, catastrophe, tragedy, disaster, cataclysm - an event resulting in great loss and misfortune; the whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity; the earthquake was a disaster.
Clearly the potato famine has been forgiven. Anyhow, it was a grand day out, as Wallace would say, and I enjoyed the tour of the crisp factory until they claimed that the origin of the word spud (popular slang for potato) is from Scotland and refers to the utensil used to unearth the tubers. Hmph, surely not?