WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ex*plo"sion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. explosio a driving off by clapping: cf. F. explosion explosion. See Explode.]
Definition : 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913