eruption

[ ih-ruhp-shuhn ]

noun

1. an issuing forth suddenly and violently; outburst; outbreak.
2. Geology. the ejection of molten rock, steam, etc., as from a volcano or geyser.
3. something that is erupted or ejected, as molten rock, volcanic ash, or steam.
4. Pathology.
   1. the breaking out of a rash or the like.
   2. a rash or exanthem.

eruption

/ ĭ-rŭp′shən /

1. The release of gas, ash, molten materials, or hot water into the atmosphere or onto the Earth's surface from a volcano or other opening in the Earth's surface.

Other Words From

• e·ruption·al adjective
• none·ruption noun
• pree·ruption noun
• ree·ruption noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of eruption¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin ēruptiōn- (stem of ēruptiō ). See erupt, -ion

Example Sentences

Pompeii, the Roman city buried in an eruption from nearby Mount Vesuvius in AD79, is one of the best-preserved Roman sites anywhere in the world.

From BBC

The city was devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which preserved swathes of it almost intact under a layer of ash for over 1,000 years.

From BBC

According to local officials, the eruption has affected seven villages.

From BBC

In mitigation, Nigel Edwards KC said MacPhail's premeditation was "limited" and there was a "spontaneous eruption" of violence in a "fast-moving" situation.

From BBC

People crave a godlike father figure, Freud explained, especially when they feel threatened with the eruption of two dangers: “the crushingly superior force of nature … and the shortcomings of society which have made themselves painfully felt.”

From Slate

Related Words

• blast
• breakout
• burst
• explosion
• flare-up
• outbreak
• outburst