I. və̇ˈsüvēən, -vyən adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Vesuvi us, volcano near Naples, Italy + English -an
1. : of, relating to, or resembling the volcano Vesuvius
2. : marked by uncertainty or sudden outbursts : furious
a Vesuvian rage
Vesuvian language
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: in sense 1, from German, from Vesuv Vesuvius + German -ian (from Latin -ianus -ian); in sense 2, from vesuvian (I)
1. : idocrase
2. : a match or fusee used especially formerly for lighting cigars