volcano
volcano Lexical Profile
volcano Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A rupture in the crust of a planetary-mass object, such as Earth, that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface, often forming a conical mountain.
"Geologists are constantly monitoring the active volcano for signs of an impending eruption."
A highly volatile, explosive, or emotionally charged situation that is likely to break out into conflict or unrest.
"After years of economic hardship, the capital city had become a political volcano ready to erupt at any moment."
• Rhymes for volcano
Word Origin & Etymology
From Italian 'vulcano', derived from Latin 'Vulcanus', the Roman god of fire, whose subterranean forge was anciently believed to be located beneath Mount Etna or the Aeolian island of Vulcano.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.