GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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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]