Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

volcano

Pronunciation: /vɒlˈkeɪnəʊ/
Translate volcano | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of volcano

noun (plural volcanoes or volcanos)

  • a mountain or hill, typically conical, having a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapour, and gas are or have been erupted from the earth’s crust.
  • a state or situation which is liable to erupt into anger or violence:Clare had been building up a silent volcano of resentment

Origin:

early 17th century: from Italian, from Latin Volcanus 'Vulcan'

Spelling help

The plural of volcano can be spelled either volcanoes or volcanos.

volcano in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of volcano in the US English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

monocular

/ məˈnɒkjʊlə /
adjective , noun
with, for, or in one eye …