volcanism

noun

vol·​ca·​nism ˈväl-kə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce volcanism (audio)
ˈvȯl-
: volcanic action or activity

Examples of volcanism in a Sentence

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Each of these hues, NASA’s analysis confirms, correspond to different types of ancient volcanism, from glasslike oozes to rubbly pyroclastic flow deposits. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 Venus is known as the most volcanically active planet in our Solar System, with signs of volcanism first observed by the Magellan spacecraft in the early 1990s. — Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026 That tidal flexing generates enormous internal heat, keeping parts of Io’s interior molten and driving its extraordinary volcanism. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026 Those insights could help scientists better understand ancient volcanism on Mars, Venus, and Earth's moon, whose landscapes were shaped by massive eruptions billions of years ago. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for volcanism

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volcanism was in 1830

Rhymes for volcanism

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Browse Nearby Words

volcanic wind
volcanism
volcanist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Volcanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volcanism. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on volcanism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about volcanism

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