VULCANIZE

PRONUNCIATION: (VUHL-kuh-nyz)

MEANING: verb tr.: To harden or improve, for example, rubber by application of sulfur and heat.
verb intr.: To become hardened.

ETYMOLOGY: After Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, metalworking, etc. Earliest documented use: 1846.
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VOLCANIZE - to convert to an active erupting mountain after eons of dormancy

SULCANIZE - to show pouting in ones facial expression

HULCANIZE - to metamorphose into an immensely powerful green monster (see Bruce Banner)