adjective
Uncommon
volcanic
vol-KA-nihk
Volcanic (adjective) means relating to or produced by a volcano. Example: “The island was formed entirely from volcanic rock.”
adjective
1
Relating to or produced by a volcano.
"The island was formed entirely from volcanic rock."
"Volcanic ash grounded flights across the region."
"We hiked up a volcanic crater and looked down at the black sand."
2
Extremely intense or explosive, especially describing anger or emotion.
"His temper turned volcanic when he saw the damage."
"Her volcanic fury shocked everyone in the quiet meeting room."
"The argument erupted into a volcanic row that lasted all evening."
How to use volcanic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with volcanoes, or, figuratively, explosively intense.
Common pairings
volcanic rock
volcanic activity
volcanic ash
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Word forms
- Plural
- volcanics
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The island was formed entirely from _____ rock.
Etymology
From French volcanique, ultimately from volcan, "volcano."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for volcanic
See all rhymes for volcanic →Frequently asked questions
What does “volcanic” mean?
The word “volcanic” means relating to or produced by a volcano. In plain terms, to do with volcanoes, or, figuratively, explosively intense.
How do you pronounce “volcanic”?
“Volcanic” is pronounced vol-KA-nihk (/vɔlˈkænɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “volcanic” in a sentence?
Here is “volcanic” used in a sentence: “The island was formed entirely from volcanic rock.”
What is another word for “volcanic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “volcanic” include volcanian and Vulcanian.
What part of speech is “volcanic”?
“Volcanic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “volcanic” come from?
The word “volcanic” comes from French. From French volcanique, ultimately from volcan, "volcano.".
Is “volcanic” a common word?
“Volcanic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “volcanic” have?
“Volcanic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to or produced by a volcano.
What is the difference between volcanic and igneous rock?
Volcanic rock is a type of igneous rock that forms specifically from molten material erupted at a volcano, cooling quickly at or near the Earth's surface. Igneous rock is the broader category and also includes rock that cools slowly underground, such as granite.
When is volcanic used to describe anger or emotion?
Volcanic is used figuratively to describe anger or emotion that is extremely intense or explosive, as if it might erupt without warning. A volcanic temper suggests barely contained rage that could burst out suddenly and violently.
What is volcanic activity?
Volcanic activity refers to any process relating to or produced by a volcano, including eruptions, lava flows, and the release of gas and ash. It is used to describe both ongoing eruptions and the general geological processes at work beneath a volcano.
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