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Explosion

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.

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

3. A violent outburst of feeling, manifested by excited language, action, etc.; as, an explosion of wrath. A formidable explosion of high-church fanaticism. (Macaulay)

Origin: L. Explosio a driving off by clapping: cf. F. Explosion explosion. See explode.