# volcanic

/vɑɫˈkænɪk/ (US) · /vɒlkˈænɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/volcanic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. related to volcanoes

adjective · CEFR B1

connected to a volcano or produced by one.

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

- The island is famous for its black volcanic sand and hot springs.
- Geologists collected several volcanic rock samples to determine the exact date of the last major eruption in the archipelago.

### 2. explosive personality

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- He has a volcanic temper and often shouts when he is stressed.
- The director was notorious for his volcanic outbursts, which often left the cast and crew in a state of constant anxiety.

### 3. volcanic rock

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a type of rock that comes from a volcano.

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

- The garden path was lined with dark volcanic to help with drainage.
- The local architecture is distinctive for its heavy use of volcanic, a material both abundant and durable in this tectonic region.

## Examples

- The island is famous for its black volcanic sand.
- Geologists spent months studying the volcanic rock formations to determine when the last eruption occurred.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.