-explosion-

n. [ L. explosio a driving off by clapping: cf. F. explosion explosion. See Explode. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A bursting with violence and loud noise, because of internal pressure; as, the explosion of a gun, a bomb, a steam boiler, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A violent outburst of feeling, manifested by excited language, action, etc.; as, an explosion of wrath. [ 1913 Webster ]

A formidable explosion of high-church fanaticism. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. a sudden and substantial increase; a rapid acceleration; as, the population explosion. [ PJC ]