eruption

[ ih-ruhp-shuhn ]
See synonyms for eruption on Thesaurus.com
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.

  1. something that is erupted or ejected, as molten rock, volcanic ash, or steam.

  2. Pathology.

    • the breaking out of a rash or the like.

    • a rash or exanthem.

Origin of eruption

1
1375–1425; late Middle English <Latin ēruptiōn- (stem of ēruptiō). See erupt, -ion

Other words from eruption

  • e·rup·tion·al, adjective
  • non·e·rup·tion, noun
  • pre·e·rup·tion, noun
  • re·e·rup·tion, noun

Words that may be confused with eruption

Words Nearby eruption

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use eruption in a sentence

Scientific definitions for eruption

eruption

[ ĭ-rŭpshən ]


  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.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.