explosion

Everyday

1. A sudden loud bursting of something with great force, heat and noise, as when a bomb or gas goes off. tree →
2. A sudden big increase: a population explosion. tree →
3. A sudden burst of feeling: an explosion of laughter. tree →

In the lessons

In science an explosion is a very fast chemical reaction giving out heat and gas; in safety lessons gas leaks and fireworks can cause explosions; in maths and news, «explosion» means a huge fast rise in numbers. Phrases: «a loud explosion», «gas explosion», «population explosion», «an explosion of colour».

Examples

• We heard a loud explosion from the quarry. tree →
• A gas leak can cause an explosion, so tell an adult if you smell gas. tree →
• The volcano erupted with a huge explosion. tree →
• There was an explosion of laughter at the joke. tree →
• The town saw an explosion in the number of rabbits. tree →
• The fireworks ended in an explosion of colour. tree →

Note

From the verb «explode». Spelled -sion. Safety: never play with fireworks, gas or chemicals. In maths, an «explosion» in numbers means they grow very fast, often doubling.