geyser

Definition

A boiling natural spring which throws forth jets of water, mud, etc., at frequent intervals, driven upwards by the expansive power of steam.

Etymology

From the name of a particular Icelandic geyser which is mentioned as early as the 1760s in The Annual Register, as “Geyser, a wonderful spring in the valley of Haukadal”. From Geysir (“Gusher”), the Icelandic name of the hot spring in Iceland (see Wikipedia), from the verb geysa (“to gush”), from Old Norse geysa (“to gush”). Doublet of gusher.

Example Sentences

• "Sporting a few war wounds from Japanese destroyer gunfire, The Sullivans had already launched one spread of torpedoes at the Japanese destroyers that were now littering the ocean floor, or, occasionally, making their own retreat, but she still had one left, so a five-torpedo spread was duly sent at near-point-blank range into the listing and burning remains of Yamato, and, shortly thereafter, four large geysers of water were the reward."
• "Where a Geyser or hot-water heater is used it is a good and wise precaution to see that the bath-room, &c., when it is used is well ventilated."
• "Water was heated either on the gas stove, or on a wall mounted gas-fired "geyser" heater."