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

Recent Examples on the Web
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Rocks nabbed by China’s robotic lunar sample return missions, Chang’e 5 and 6, indicate active volcanism there up until at least two billion years ago. Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2026 Lunar experts Back here on Earth, a team of scientists are assisting the crew in spotting features on the moon, from cratering and volcanism to scouting out evidence for lunar ice deposits. Leonard David, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026 The near side has a thin crust, low topography and extensive evidence of ancient volcanism, while the far side has a thick crust, higher elevations and far fewer signs of previous volcanic activity. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2026 Griggs and his fellow expeditioners were walking through the aftermath of the 20th century’s most prolific act of volcanism — a 60-hour frenzy that smothered much of the Pacific Northwest in onyx snow. Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Volcanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volcanism. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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