eruption

American  

[ih-ruhp-shuhn] / ɪˈrʌp ʃən /

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.

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eruption Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of eruption

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

Example Sentences

While visitors once flocked to the town to enjoy its hot springs, the eruption of Mount Usu in 1977 brought tourism in the area to an abrupt halt.

From Barron's

Scientists have since established that the degradation of the island was in fact gradual, taking centuries, caused largely by drought, volcanic eruptions and the arrival of the Polynesian rat.

From The Wall Street Journal

The islands form the rim of a caldera created by a massive eruption around 3,600 years ago.

From Science Daily

“Is there going to be an eruption?” the forecaster asked.

From Literature

Then handshakes and backslaps—but no eruption into cheers.

From Literature

Related Words

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