volcanic

1 of 2

adjective

vol·​ca·​nic väl-ˈka-nik 

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 

vȯl-

also -ˈkā-

adverb

volcanic

2 of 2

noun

: a volcanic rock

Synonyms of volcanic

Adjective

• violent
• turbulent
• ferocious
• fierce
• furious
• explosive

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

Naughty or Nice During a volcanic eruption, a scorching, chaotic river of lava flows over the ground. —Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2026

Since Saba is a volcanic island that rises steeply straight out of the sea, most species simply never made it there. —James Barrett, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026

Noun

Soil types include alluvial, sedimentary, and volcanic, all of which contribute to the complex flavor profile of these amazing Oakville AVA wines. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2026

Volcanologists also warned of tephra, or hot glassy volcanic fragments, as well as volcanic ash, pumice, scoria and reticulite, which can fall on the ground within one to three miles of the eruptive vents. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1801, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing volcanic

• volcanic glass

Rhymes for volcanic

• botanic
• brahmanic
• britannic
• galvanic
• germanic
• hispanic
• koranic
• mechanic
• organic
• puranic
• quranic
• romanic

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