Eruptiveness

/ɪˈrʌptɪvnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being eruptive; the tendency or capacity to erupt suddenly and forcefully.

Etymology

Derived from eruptive plus the suffix -ness, which forms abstract nouns indicating a state or quality. This suffix allows adjectives to become nouns describing their essential characteristics.

Kelly Says

The eruptiveness of a volcano determines how dangerous it is—Mount Vesuvius's eruptiveness was catastrophically high, while some Hawaiian volcanoes erupt in slow, predictable flows, showing low eruptiveness.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.