volcano

vol·ca·no

noun \väl-ˈkā-(ˌ)nō, vȯl-\

plural vol·ca·noes or vol·ca·nos

Definition of VOLCANO

1

: a vent in the crust of the earth or another planet or a moon from which usually molten or hot rock and steam issue; also : a hill or mountain composed wholly or in part of the ejected material

2

: something of explosively violent potential

Examples of VOLCANO

1. The volcano last erupted 25 years ago.
2. <beset by prolonged heat and lingering racial tension, the city was like a seething volcano>

Illustration of VOLCANO

Origin of VOLCANO

Italian or Spanish; Italian vulcano, from Spanish volcán, ultimately from Latin Volcanus Vulcan

First Known Use: 1613

Related to VOLCANO

Synonyms: flash point, powder keg, time bomb, tinderbox

Related Words: hot button, third rail

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Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale