lava

noun

la·​va ˈlä-və How to pronounce lava (audio) ˈla- How to pronounce lava (audio)
: molten rock that issues from a volcano or from a fissure in the surface of a planet (such as earth) or moon
also : such rock that has cooled and hardened
lavalike adjective

Examples of lava in a Sentence

a flow of molten lava
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Whether hosting professionals or amateurs, Greater Zion golf offers an array of topographies and geographic features including red rocks, black lava flows, red hills, canyons, plateaus and waterways. Michael Loré, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 The agency said over the past 12,000 years, there have been four lava flows that started on the apron of the volcano and two vents along the south ridge. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 8 Oct. 2024 After the lava solidified, silicon-rich fluids circulating in the rocks deposited a layer of silicon-dioxide crystals in volcanic cavities. David Bressan, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 The design even includes lava glass for a playful and eye-catching effect. Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lava 

Word History

Etymology

Italian, ultimately from Latin labes fall; akin to Latin labi to slide — more at sleep

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lava was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near lava

Cite this Entry

“Lava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lava. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lava

noun
la·​va ˈläv-ə How to pronounce lava (audio) ˈlav- How to pronounce lava (audio)
: melted rock coming from a volcano
also : such rock that has cooled and hardened

More from Merriam-Webster on lava

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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