ENGLISH
REFERENCE

volcanic

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //vɑɫˈkænɪk// UK //vɒlkˈænɪk// vol·canic

adj. relating to a volcano or made from the hot, melted rock that comes out of one. It can also describe a person who gets angry very suddenly and strongly.

adj. produced by, relating to, or resembling a volcano. When applied to human temperament, it indicates a tendency toward sudden, explosive outbursts of emotion.


SIMPLE

The island is famous for its black volcanic sand.

CONTEXTUAL

Geologists spent months studying the volcanic rock formations to determine when the last eruption occurred.

COMPLEX

The diplomat's volcanic temper often undermined his professional achievements, as colleagues never knew which minor disagreement might trigger a sudden and devastating verbal explosion.

Origin

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

Usage

Typically precedes the noun it modifies. When used figuratively to describe emotions, it is a gradable adjective often paired with 'almost' or 'truly'.

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