ENGLISH
REFERENCE

volcanic

adj. · n.
US //vɑɫˈkænɪk// UK //vɒlkˈænɪk// vol·canic
  1. 1 related to volcanoes (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    connected to a volcano or produced by one.

    pertaining to, produced by, or affected by the activity of a volcano.

    Example

    The island is famous for its black volcanic sand and hot springs.

    Example

    Geologists collected several volcanic rock samples to determine the exact date of the last major eruption in the archipelago.
  2. 2 explosive personality (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to describe a person or feeling that is very violent or sudden, like an explosion.

    reminiscent of a volcanic eruption; characterized by sudden, violent outbursts of emotion or energy.

    Example

    He has a volcanic temper and often shouts when he is stressed.

    Example

    The director was notorious for his volcanic outbursts, which often left the cast and crew in a state of constant anxiety.
  3. 3 volcanic rock (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a type of rock that comes from a volcano.

    a rock formed from magma erupted from a volcano; typically used in geological or construction contexts.

    Example

    The garden path was lined with dark volcanic to help with drainage.

    Example

    The local architecture is distinctive for its heavy use of volcanic, a material both abundant and durable in this tectonic region.
    • lava rock
Origin

From French volcanique, from volcan (“volcano”); and/or directly from volcan(o) + -ic.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026