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

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 Word Forms

• eruptional adjective
• noneruption noun
• preeruption noun
• reeruption noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of eruption¹

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

Related Words

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