Vesuvian
adjective
of, relating to, or resembling Mount Vesuvius; volcanic.
Vesuvian
American
[vuh-soo-vee-uhn]
/ vəˈsu vi ən /
adjective
noun
vesuvian
British
/ vɪˈsuːvɪən /
noun
-
(esp formerly) a match for lighting cigars; fusee
-
another name for vesuvianite
Etymology
Origin of Vesuvian
First recorded in 1665–75; Vesuvi(us) + -an
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.
See Examples For:
One of the more remarkable findings was the product of pure scholarship: Mr. Goddio remembered a fresco he’d seen unearthed in Herculaneum, the city buried along with Pompeii by the Vesuvian eruption of A.D.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2025
Now, the diggers are progressively pulling away the volcanic ash and pea-sized stones, known as lapilli that smothered Pompeii during the two catastrophic days of the Vesuvian eruption.
From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2023
The scientists behind the September study possibly hinting at life in the Vesuvian clouds based their findings on the presence of the toxic gas phosphine.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 28, 2021
Open runner-up went Vesuvian on his more youthful peers who struggled during the third round when freshening winds and firm greens made a few holes exceedingly difficult.
From Golf Digest ● Jun. 28, 2018
Suffice it to say that one day Miles and his father had a Vesuvian meeting on the subject of the army.
From Blue Lights Hot Work in the Soudan by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
In this position he took out a cigar, lighted it with a vesuvian, and, regardless of the increased motion imparted to him at his greater elevation, he began to smoke.
From Doctor Claudius, A True Story by F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford
“Some few of them are sensible, though,” went on the latter, flaring up a vesuvian to light his pipe.
From 'Tween Snow and Fire A Tale of the Last Kafir War by Bertram Mitford
The Duke's vesuvian was sputtering in the spray and wind, and he got a good light before he answered.
From Doctor Claudius, A True Story by F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford
"Favor me with an answer," replied the attorney, with admirable sang-froid, as he drew from his pocket a cigar-case, and, taking therefrom a cigar, proceeded to light it with a patent vesuvian.
From Hatchie, the Guardian Slave; or, The Heiress of Bellevue by Warren T. Ashton
Pratt started, flushed angrily, and brushed the vesuvian from his coat, but not until it had burned there a round black spot.
From Thereby Hangs a Tale Volume One by George Manville Fenn
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