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

The eruption of an Icelandic volcano kept some artists from getting to the festival, including The Cribs and Frightened Rabbit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Scientists have discovered that the magma reservoir tied to the largest volcanic eruption of the Holocene is filling again.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

Chemical analysis shows that this newer material differs from what was released during the previous eruption.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

The hillside behind her was sprinkled with desert golds, but the display fell short of the riotous eruption of flowers posted on social media.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

After the eruption, groundwater that had been trapped in the mountain found paths to flow downhill.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Related Words

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