adjective
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erupting or tending to erupt
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resembling or of the nature of an eruption
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(of rocks) formed from such products as ash and lava resulting from volcanic eruptions
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(of a disease) characterized by skin eruptions
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of eruptive
From the French word éruptif, dating back to 1640–50. See erupt, -ive
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.
"Dukono is a mountain with almost continuous eruptive activity, so any violation of the danger zone carries a fatal risk," he told the BBC.
From BBC • May 8, 2026
Inspired by the 1771 watercolor Night view of a current of lava by British-Italian artist Pietro Fabris, Hamilton's concept relied on light and motion to replicate glowing lava and eruptive bursts.
From Science Daily • Nov. 7, 2025
As history illustrates, Mount St. Helens has an eruptive personality.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2023
Historical accounts and studies of ancient volcanic rocks show that times of volcanic repose transition into loud seismic and eruptive awakenings in a cycle that’s transpired several times in the past few millennia.
From National Geographic • Jul. 24, 2023
Then there was an eruptive movement, people pushing forward, other people pushing back.
From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry
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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.