eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

a

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

b

: the breaking out of a rash on the skin or mucous membrane

2

: a product of erupting (such as a skin rash)

Synonyms

• agony
• blaze
• burst
• ebullition
• explosion
• fit
• flare
• flare-up
• flash
• flush
• gale
• gush
• gust
• outburst
• paroxysm
• spasm
• storm

Examples of eruption in a Sentence

a great eruption of glee as it suddenly dawned on her that she had won

the eruption of the volcano Krakatoa was one of the most violent in global history

Recent Examples on the Web

May’s eruption persisted through late June, and December’s eruption began on the Reykjanes Peninsula after weeks of thousands of earthquakes. —Ty Roush, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

The eruption began at 11:14 p.m. with little prior warning. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Hernández caused an eruption two pitches later, ambushing a 1-and-0 fastball for a two-run shot the other way. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024

Archaeologists also found an incense burner, a lamp, and other objects that were buried in ash by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. —Alex Greenberger For Artnews, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing eruption

• creeping eruption
• post-eruption

Kids Definition

eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

2

: a product (as a skin rash) of erupting

Medical Definition

eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

the eruption of the tooth from the gum

specifically : the breaking out of an exanthem or enanthem on the skin or mucous membrane (as in measles)

2

: something produced by an act or process of erupting: as

a

: the condition of the skin or mucous membrane caused by erupting

b

: one of the lesions (as a pustule) constituting this condition