scoria

noun

sco·​ria ˈskȯr-ē-ə How to pronounce scoria (audio)
plural scoriae ˈskȯr-ē-ˌē How to pronounce scoria (audio)
-ē-ˌī
1
: the refuse from melting of metals or reduction of ores : slag
2
: rough vesicular cindery lava
scoriaceous adjective

Examples of scoria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition to the bright orange lava fountains that make for a dramatic spectacle and wildly shareable social media content, the eruption also sent ash and other material like scoria and so-called Pele’s hair nearly a mile into the atmosphere. Eric MacK, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 There is archaeological evidence that people moved 30 kilometers to the north because much of the area near Sunset Crater was covered in coarse volcanic scoria. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek skōria, from skōr excrement — more at scatology

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scoria was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Scoria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoria. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

scoria

noun
sco·​ria ˈskōr-ē-ə How to pronounce scoria (audio)
ˈskȯr-
plural scoriae -ē-ˌē How to pronounce scoria (audio)
-ē-ˌī
: rough cindery lava

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