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

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

From BBC

That can cause the dynamic subterranean forces below volcanoes to produce increased quantities of magma, leading to more frequent eruptions.

From Salon

Doctors have linked a global eruption of severe silicosis among young stonecutters to the booming popularity of engineered stone, which can contain upward of 90% crystalline silica.

From Los Angeles Times

“If we’d been better able to predict that eruption, it could have saved a lot of money,” he says.

From BBC

Related Words

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