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.
Of the 280 scoria cones and 103 maars in the region, only 12 maars are filled with water. Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 7 Feb. 2026 Volcanologists also warned of tephra, or hot glassy volcanic fragments, as well as volcanic ash, pumice, scoria and reticulite, which can fall on the ground within one to three miles of the eruptive vents. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 8 Dec. 2025 The brow of the mountain represents Budj Bim’s forehead, the sharp basalt scoria rocks are the giant’s teeth, and the lava flows are his blood, which poured over the land. Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025 And right next door to this feature is a reddish cone that is obviously a cinder/scoria cone. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2012

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scoria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoria. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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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