Geyser
/ˈɡaɪ.zər/noun
A natural hot spring that intermittently erupts with steam and hot water.
Did you know?The word 'geyser' comes from the Icelandic 'geysa', which means 'to rush forth', reflecting its explosive nature.
Etymological Timeline
Old Norse
Old Norse
geysa
“to gush forth or rush out”
Icelandic
Icelandic
geysir
“a term for a hot spring that erupts”
17th Century
English
geyser
“adopted into English as a term for hot springs in Iceland”
Modern English
English
geyser
“commonly used to describe any hot spring that erupts with water and steam”