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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Iceland has a population of nearly 400,000 and is one of the world’s most active volcanic areas. Kathy Rose Obrien, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024 Sulfur dioxide, a toxic gas emitted during volcanic eruptions, can irritate the respiratory system, the eyes and skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ty Roush, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
That’s about to change with the establishment of the Pocket Peak AVA—a wine-growing region within the valley defined by its steep, undulating hills and volcanic and gravelly loam soils—expected in fall 2025. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2024 Underwater canyons and caverns formed by St. Lucia's volatile volcanic past make the island a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for volcanic 

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 2 Dec. 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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