volcanic

[ vol-kan-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a volcano:

   a volcanic eruption.

2. discharged from or produced by volcanoes:

   volcanic mud.

3. characterized by the presence of volcanoes:

   a volcanic area.

4. suggestive of or resembling a volcano; potentially explosive; volatile:

   a volcanic temper.

volcanic

/ ˌvɒlkəˈnɪsɪtɪ; vɒlˈkænɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, produced by, or characterized by the presence of volcanoes

   a volcanic region

2. suggestive of or resembling an erupting volcano

   a volcanic era

3. another word for extrusive

Derived Forms

• volˈcanically, adverb
• volcanicity, noun

Other Words From

• vol·cani·cal·ly adverb
• vol·can·ic·i·ty [vol-k, uh, -, nis, -i-tee], noun
• nonvol·canic adjective
• semi·vol·canic adjective
• semi·vol·cani·cal·ly adverb
• unvol·canic adjective
• unvol·cani·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of volcanic¹

1765–75; volcan(o) + -ic; compare French volcanique

Example Sentences

Beneath the watchtower at UNDOF’s Camp Ziouani base, the Israeli fence snakes towards a line of volcanic mountains; a Syrian flag flutters in the trees beyond the post, marking the other side of the separation zone.

From BBC

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has also warned that the volcanic ash might drift to parts of the country's north on Wednesday.

From BBC

Past volcanic eruptions have disrupted aviation.

From BBC

Activities in Indonesia have also been affected by the volcanic ash.

From BBC

Video footage shared with BBC News by eyewitnesses shows people covered in volcanic ash, rock showers and homes ablaze, as well as the scorched aftermath of the disruption.

From BBC

Related Words

• demonstrative
• fidgety
• fiery
• high-strung
• hysterical
• impulsive
• restless
• skittish
• temperamental