pahoehoe

noun

pa·​ho·​e·​hoe pə-ˈhō-ē-ˌhō-ē How to pronounce pahoehoe (audio)
geology
: basaltic lava having a smooth, often billowy, shiny surface
Thick, folded lava such as this is known by its Hawaiian nickname of pahoehoe. A highly fluid lava, pahoehoe spreads in thin sheets and is sculpted into ropy folds as flow continues below the hardening surface.G. Brad Lewis
pahoehoe flows resemble pancake batter poured into a pan; these flows are thin, spread out, and tend to move faster than a'a flows.Brian Curtiss
compare aa

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Hawaiian pāhoehoe

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pahoehoe was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near pahoehoe

Cite this Entry

“Pahoehoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pahoehoe. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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