eruption
Americannoun
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an issuing forth suddenly and violently; outburst; outbreak.
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Geology. the ejection of molten rock, steam, etc., as from a volcano or geyser.
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something that is erupted or ejected, as molten rock, volcanic ash, or steam.
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Pathology.
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the breaking out of a rash or the like.
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a rash or exanthem.
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of eruption
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin ēruptiōn- (stem of ēruptiō ). See erupt, -ion
Explanation
An eruption is an explosion of steam and lava from a volcano. This word is also used for other explosions, such as "an eruption of emotions." If there's an eruption of a volcano, you don't want to be anywhere near it. When a volcano erupts, it spews a huge amount of lava, ash, and steam into the air. If you were angry at a friend but held your tongue for a long time, then suddenly started yelling in anger, that's an eruption too. The sudden spreading of a disease could be called an eruption. Eruptions are quick, huge, explosive, and dangerous: they're never good news.
Vocabulary lists containing eruption
Make a Break for It: Rupt
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August Words
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Mexico - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Patterson felt pressure to do a good job with Eruption, because of the emotions tied to the project, from Sherri and her son, who loves the novel.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2024
Eruption takes readers on a thrilling journey through Hawaii's biggest island, which, unbeknown to its residents, hides dangerous military secrets dating back decades.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2024
The eruption produced an ash plume that extended to about 650 miles away, the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team said.
From Washington Post • Apr. 12, 2023
Eruption sounds chaotic on paper, and it plays chaotic in the most fun way possible.
From The Verge • Sep. 7, 2022
In the very bad Small Pocks, and in little Children, the Eyes are closed up from the Beginning of the Eruption.
From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.