volcanic

1 of 2

adjective

vol·​ca·​nic väl-ˈka-nik How to pronounce volcanic (audio)
vȯl-,
 also  -ˈkā-
1
a
: of, relating to, or produced by a volcano
b
: characterized by volcanoes
a volcanic range
c
: made of materials from volcanoes
2
: explosively violent : volatile
volcanic emotions
volcanically
väl-ˈka-ni-k(-ə)lē How to pronounce volcanic (audio)
vȯl-
 also  -ˈkā-
adverb

volcanic

2 of 2

noun

: a volcanic rock

Examples of volcanic in a Sentence

Adjective a man with a volcanic temper that could go off at any moment
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Vichy, too, is backed by the restorative benefits of French volcanic water. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024 The rural development pairs equestrian facilities with the beauty of the volcanic Hawaiian terrain. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2024 Facebook Show more sharing options SAN DIEGO — Periodic downpours Saturday were no match for ice cold volcanic eruptions, whimsical robots, and colorful test tube experiments, as families flocked to Snapdragon Stadium for the annual San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering’s Expo Day. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024 Swirling chaotic galaxies, violent volcanic moons, Martian eclipses and a historic moon landing have captivated humanity and served as a reminder of the majesty and mystery contained within the vast cosmos. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2024 Iceland is one of the most active volcanic areas on the planet. Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 2 Mar. 2024 In volcanic regions, cinnabar forms from a union of mercury and sulfur when near-boiling fluids flow through rock cracks. Bridget Alex, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 This maintains that each cultivation not only affords as many ripe coffee cherries as possible, but also allows the nutrient-rich volcanic soil to retain its integrity for harvests to come. Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Turrell is converting Roden Crater, a volcanic cinder cone, into a celestial observatory. The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024
Noun
However, the results of the high-density LDS survey sampling smaller catchments above and below the post-mineral volcanic cover contacts were effective in outlining prospective target areas1 in the underlying package. Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2024 In January 2024, a group with professionals from different parts of the world will go to Poás volcano in Costa Rica to test new technologies to study volcanic processes and with the goal of someday having a better idea of how to forecast a volcanic eruption. Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2024 This brings on lower temperatures near the Earth's surface -- volcanic cooling. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 27 Apr. 2023 Two sculptures are massive chunks of black obsidian, a glassy volcanic rock formed deep underground and a material found at many Mesoamerican archaeological sites. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2023 The massive ashfall and volcanic mudflows wiped out her village and outlying communities in Pampanga province north of Manila. Jim Gomez and Joeal Calupitan, Anchorage Daily News, 14 June 2023 Each time the volcano exploded, hot gas and volcanic matter (called pyroclastic flow) burst into the ocean. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2023 Those wanting to get far off the grid can head to Rodrigues, an itty-bitty volcanic dot in the vast Indian Ocean, hundreds of nautical miles from neighbors in any direction. Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2023 Before 1980, small eruptions below VEI 2 might only be noted if someone was standing right near the volcanic at the right time. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 30 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'volcanic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volcanic was in 1776

Dictionary Entries Near volcanic

Cite this Entry

“Volcanic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volcanic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

volcanic

adjective
vol·​ca·​nic
väl-ˈkan-ik,
vȯl-,
 also  -ˈkān-
1
a
: of, relating to, or produced by a volcano
a volcanic eruption
b
: made of materials from volcanoes
volcanic dust
2
: explosively violent
a volcanic rage

More from Merriam-Webster on volcanic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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