volcanic

Everyday

1. Volcanic means made by, coming from or to do with a volcano, like volcanic rock or volcanic ash. tree →
2. A volcanic area or island has volcanoes or was formed by them. tree →
3. (figurative) A volcanic temper or anger bursts out suddenly and strongly, like a volcano erupting. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography lessons the word describes rocks (basalt, pumice, obsidian), ash, eruptions and islands formed when melted rock (magma) comes up from inside the Earth. Hawaii, Iceland and much of New Zealand are volcanic. In stories it can describe a person who explodes with anger. Phrases: «volcanic rock», «volcanic ash», «volcanic eruption», «volcanic island», «volcanic activity».

Examples

• Hawaii is made of volcanic islands. tree →
• Pumice is a light volcanic rock that can float on water. tree →
• Volcanic ash covered the cars and roads. tree →
• Scientists watch for volcanic activity near the mountain. tree →
• New Zealand has many volcanic lakes and hot springs. tree →
• The soil near the volcano is rich and good for farming. tree →
• Planes could not fly because of the volcanic ash cloud. tree →
• The giant had a volcanic temper and roared at everyone. tree →

Note

An adjective, from the noun «volcano» (plural volcanoes or volcanos). Usually goes before a noun: «volcanic rock». Myth: not all volcanoes are dangerous all the time — many are dormant (sleeping) or extinct (dead). Lava is melted rock above ground; magma is melted rock under ground.