n. 1. a. A sudden, often violent outward expansion resulting from the force of internal pressure or the release of chemical or nuclear energy, typically accompanied by high temperatures. b. A violent bursting apart resulting from such expansion. c. The loud, sharp sound made as a result of either of these actions. 2. A sudden, often vehement outburst: an explosion of rage. 3. A sudden, great increase: a population explosion; the explosion of illegal drug use. 4. Linguistics See plosion. [Latin explōsiō, explōsiōn-, a driving off, from explōsus, past participle of explōdere, to drive out by clapping; see EXPLODE.] |
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