vulcanian

adjective

vul·​ca·​ni·​an ˌvəl-ˈkā-nē-ən How to pronounce vulcanian (audio)
1
capitalized : of or relating to Vulcan or to working in metals (such as iron)
2
: of or relating to a volcanic eruption in which highly viscous or solid lava is blown into fragments and dust

Examples of vulcanian in a Sentence

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.
There is some video of the plume from the volcano, which, although bigger than the normal vulcanian and strombolian activity at Anak Krakatau, is still relatively small, reaching 2-3 km. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2011 A pyroclastic flow from the February 5 vulcanian eruption of Soufriere Hills. Erik Klemetti, WIRED, 8 Feb. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vulcanian was in 1602

Dictionary Entries Near vulcanian

Cite this Entry

“Vulcanian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vulcanian. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!