volcano
UK: vɒlˈkeɪnəʊ | US: vɑːlˈkeɪnoʊ
n. a mountain or hill with a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas erupt from the earth's crust
n. (figuratively) a situation or subject prone to sudden outbursts or intense activity
volcano = Vulcan<Roman god of fire> + o<noun suffix>
- Vulcan: Named after Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and metalworking, reflecting the fiery nature of volcanoes.
- o: A common noun-forming suffix in Latin-derived words.
Etymology Origin:
The word "volcano" originates from Latin Vulcanus, the name of the Roman god of fire. Italian adapted it as vulcano to describe fiery mountains, later borrowed into English in the early 17th century. The connection to divine fire mythology underscores the awe and danger historically associated with volcanic eruptions.
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD destroyed Pompeii.
Scientists monitor seismic activity to predict when a volcano might erupt.
His temper was like a volcano, ready to explode at any moment.
The Hawaiian Islands were formed by underwater volcanoes.
Tourists flock to see the lava flows from the active volcano.