vesuvian

1 of 2

noun

ve·​su·​vi·​an və-ˈsü-vē-ən 

: a match used especially formerly for lighting cigars

Vesuvian

2 of 2

adjective

Ve·​su·​vi·​an və-ˈsü-vē-ən 

1

: of, relating to, or resembling the volcano Vesuvius

2

: marked by sudden outbursts

… has a Vesuvian temper, but quickly controls himself …

—Sidney Shalett

Examples of vesuvian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But at least some of the Vesuvian victims probably died instantaneously from the intense heat of fast-moving lava flows, with temperatures high enough to boil brains and explode skulls. — ArsTechnica, 18 May 2026

The hotel is also charmingly ‘local’, with bedside tables made from Vesuvian rock and lamps shaped like the classic fishing lights on traditional boats. — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Mars’ volcanoes don’t have Vesuvian outbursts — at least none that scientists have observed. — Isaac Schultz / Gizmodo, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2024

Although archaeologists have found about 300 xenia paintings in Vesuvian cities, the latest stands out for its quality of execution. — Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 5 July 2023

About 300 of these representations have been found in Vesuvian cities. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 June 2023

The brash Vesuvian sounds of golden-era rap had us by the brain stem. — Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 5 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Vesuvian

First Known Use

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vesuvian

• antediluvian