pyroclastic

adjective

py·​ro·​clas·​tic ˌpī-rō-ˈkla-stik How to pronounce pyroclastic (audio)
: formed by or involving fragmentation as a result of volcanic or igneous action

Examples of pyroclastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Residents should also be practicing vigilance against pyroclastic density currents, hot flows of ash and debris that can travel at speeds of hundreds of meters per second, and sediment-laden streamflows, volcano experts said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 June 2023 Each time the volcano exploded, hot gas and volcanic matter (called pyroclastic flow) burst into the ocean. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2023 Local communities near the caldera could experience additional hazardous phenomena such as ballistics (flying rocks) or pyroclastic flows, impacting infrastructure and disrupting air travel, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) said. Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2023 Grey-brown deposits of pyroclastic flows extend from the dome in stark contrast to the snows on its slopes. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2022 The force from these pyroclastic flows formed tsunamis that slammed into nearby islands. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2023 This blast generated hot ash flows (pyroclastic flows) and nearly reached the major highway along the peninsula. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2023 Areas closer to the eruption site, especially within the caldera, could experience additional hazardous phenomena, such as ballistics or pyroclastic flows. Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2023 During a routine sightseeing day trip to a remote volcanic island, 47 tourists and guides were trapped in the epicenter of a boiling pyroclastic surge of toxic dust and ash. Maren Estrada, BGR, 23 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pyroclastic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyroclastic was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near pyroclastic

Cite this Entry

“Pyroclastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyroclastic. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

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