What does ebullition mean?
Ebullition is a formal noun with two related meanings: most commonly, it describes a sudden and forceful outburst of emotion, such as an ebullition of anger or indignation; more literally, it refers to the process of a liquid boiling or bubbling up. The two senses share a vivid underlying image — something held down suddenly bursting violently to the surface — which gives the word its expressive power. It derives from the Latin verb ebullire, meaning 'to boil over', formed from e- ('out') and bullire ('to boil'). Today the figurative sense predominates in literary and journalistic prose, while the literal sense survives chiefly in scientific writing. Though somewhat rare, ebullition remains useful precisely because it conveys both intensity and suddenness in a single, elegant term.
nounA sudden outburst or effusion of emotion or activity; also, the process of boiling or bubbling up of a liquid.
- A sudden, forceful outburst of emotion, energy, or expression.
- The act or process of boiling; the bubbling up of a liquid.
"Her resignation was the final ebullition of months of quiet frustration."
"The speech provoked an immediate ebullition of public outrage."
"Watch for the first signs of ebullition before removing the syrup from the heat."
Standard plural, used when referring to multiple separate outbursts or instances of boiling.
"His memoir records the frequent ebullitions of temper that marked his early career."
Before it meant an angry outburst, ebullition simply described water at a rolling boil — same Latin root that gives us 'ebullient'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ebullition
Ebullition entered English from French ébullition, ultimately deriving from the Latin verb ebullire, meaning 'to boil up or over' — a compound of e- ('out') and bullire ('to bubble, boil'). The word was adopted into English in the early 17th century, initially carrying its literal sense of boiling before developing the figurative meaning of an emotional outburst. It shares its Latin root with the adjective ebullient and the noun ebullience.
Related word forms
How ebullition is actually used
Formal and somewhat literary in register. The figurative sense (an emotional outburst) is more common than the literal sense (boiling), which now appears mostly in scientific or technical contexts.
Easily confused with ebullition
Ebullience refers to cheerful, exuberant high spirits, whereas ebullition denotes a sudden, often turbulent outburst of emotion — or literally, boiling.