GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  1.       
    Explosion (?), n. [L. explosio a driving off by clapping: cf. F. explosion explosion. See Explode.]
    1. The act of exploding; detonation; a chemical action which causes the sudden formation of a great volume of expanded gas; as, “the explosion of gunpowder, of fire damp, etc.”

    [1913 Webster]


    2. A bursting with violence and loud noise, because of internal pressure; as, “the explosion of a gun, a bomb, a steam boiler, etc.”

    [1913 Webster]


    3. A violent outburst of feeling, manifested by excited language, action, etc.; as, “an explosion of wrath”.

    [1913 Webster]

    A formidable explosion of high-church fanaticism. Macaulay.

    [1913 Webster]


    4. a sudden and substantial increase; a rapid acceleration; as, “the population explosion”.

    [PJC]

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