eruct

[ ih-ruhkt ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to belch forth, as gas from the stomach.
2. to emit or issue violently, as matter from a volcano.

eruct

/ ˌiːrʌk-; ɪˈrʌkt; ɪˌrʌkˈteɪʃən; ɪˈrʌktətɪv /

verb

1. to raise (gas and often a small quantity of acid) from the stomach; belch
2. (of a volcano) to pour out (fumes or volcanic matter)

Derived Forms

• eructation, noun
• eructative, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eruct¹

1660–70; < Latin ērūctāre to vomit, discharge violently, frequentative of ērūgere

Word History and Origins

Origin of eruct¹

C17: from Latin ēructāre, from ructāre to belch

Example Sentences

Take care, Sancho, not to chew on both sides, and not to eruct in anybody's presence.

From Project Gutenberg

"Eruct, I shall say henceforth, and I swear not to forget it," said Sancho.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Eruct

What does eruct mean?

Eruct is a technical term meaning to burp or belch.

The verb eructate means the same thing. The act or an instance of burping or belching can be called eructation.

These terms are typically used in a medical or scientific context in much the same way as other technical terms for bodily processes (such as flatulate, meaning to fart).

This sense of eruct is sometimes used in a figurative way meaning to hastily issue something, such as a statement or piece of writing. The term is used to dismiss it as worthless (humorously comparing it to a burp).

Eruct can also mean to violently eject fumes or other matter, as is done by a volcano or geyser. The term erupt is similar but commonly means to more extensively eject molten rock, steam, or other materials. A volcano may eruct before it erupts.

Example: The patient presented with stomach pain and reported that he had been eructing excessively.

Where does eruct come from?

The first records of the word eruct come from the 1660s. It derives from the Latin verb ērūctāre, meaning “to vomit” or “to discharge violently.” But eruct does not refer to vomiting—the technical word for that is emesis. The Latin ērūctāre comes from ructāre, “to belch.”

Eructing is very common and often happens as a result of eating quickly, drinking carbonated beverages, or swallowing air. But excessive eructation might be a sign of other gastrointestinal issues. Other animals eruct, too. Eructation from cows is thought to be a significant source of methane in the atmosphere.

When volcanoes eruct, it’s basically an earth burp. Scientists study these eructations to better predict when a dormant volcano may erupt.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to eruct?

• eructate (verb)
• eructation (noun)
• eructative (adjective)

What are some synonyms for eruct?

• burp
• belch

What are some words that often get used in discussing eruct?

• gas
• flatulate
• volcano
• fumes
• geyser

What are some words eruct may be commonly confused with?

• erupt

How is eruct used in real life?

Eruct is usually used in a scientific context. It can also be used figuratively or as a humorously technical way to refer to burping.

Thank you all SO much for your birthday wishes: I'm now old enough to behave disgracefully. Not eat crusts or sprouts, Eruct, dribble, swear

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 24, 2017

A Monday that could only have been eructed from the bowels of Satan himself. And he didn't even have the courtesy to say excuse me.

— Wayne Thomas (@roadsterhat) October 5, 2009

There, I’m back. That’s was cathartic. **burps** Sorry, I meant, **eructs**

— ⚜ARMAND⚜ (@CleverPolyglot) July 25, 2012

 

 

Try using eruct!

True or False? 

Eructing is always the sign of a serious medical problem.