Definition

Proper noun A specific volcanic island located in the Sunda Strait, between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. It is renowned for its cataclysmic eruption in 1883, which is considered one of the most powerful and destructive volcanic events in recorded human history.

Usage

"Krakatau" is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this island and the volcano upon it. It is a significant term in geology, history, and earth science.

Examples

• The 1883 eruption of Krakatau was heard over 3,000 miles away.
• Scientists continue to study the geological formation of Krakatau.
• The tsunami generated by Krakatau's collapse caused widespread devastation along the coasts of Java and Sumatra.

Advanced Usage

• The island is also commonly referred to by its alternative spelling, Krakatoa. Both "Krakatau" and "Krakatoa" refer to the same location.
• The volcanic complex that emerged from the caldera after the 1883 eruption is called Anak Krakatau, which means "Child of Krakatau" in Indonesian.

Variants and Related Words

• Krakatoa (Proper noun): An alternative and widely used name for the same island and volcano.
• Anak Krakatau (Proper noun): The active volcanic cone that has grown in the caldera formed by the 1883 eruption.

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for this proper noun, as it names a unique geographic feature. It can be described as a volcanic island or referenced by the event, the 1883 eruption.

Related Phrases

• The Krakatau eruption: A common phrase used to specifically denote the historic 1883 event.
• Krakatau's caldera: Refers to the large, basin-like depression formed by the volcano's collapse.

Noun

1. a small volcanic island in Indonesia between Java and Sumatra; its violent eruption in 1883 was the greatest in recorded history