volcan

volcano

noun vohl-KAHN Rare

Origin: Latin Vulcanus (god of fire)

Usage Note

volcan gives rise to the adjective volcanique (volcanic) and the noun volcanologie (volcanology). France has notable dormant volcanoes in the Auvergne region — the Chaîne des Puys — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Figuratively, être assis sur un volcan means 'to be sitting on a powder keg'.

Examples

"Le volcan est entré en éruption hier."

Natural Translation

The volcano erupted yesterday.

Literal Translation

The volcano entered into eruption yesterday.

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