E*rup"tion (?), n. [L. eruptio, fr. erumpere, eruptum, to break out; e out + rumpere, to break: cf. F. 'eruption. See Rupture.]

1.

The act of breaking out or bursting forth; as: (a) A violent throwing out of flames, lava, etc., as from a volcano of a fissure in the earth's crust. (b) A sudden and overwhelming hostile movement of armed men from one country to another. Milton. (c) A violent commotion.

All Paris was quiet . . . to gather fresh strength for the next day's eruption. W. Irving.

2.

That which bursts forth.

3.

A violent exclamation; ejaculation.

He would . . . break out into bitter and passionate eruditions. Sir H. Wotton.

4. Med.

The breaking out of pimples, or an efflorescence, as in measles, scarlatina, etc.

 

© Webster 1913.