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.
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 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 AlaskaVeniaminof continues to be active in the Aleutian arc and the latest NASA Earth Observatory imagery (above) captures the small ash plume (and ash deposits) along with the small lava flow that continues to issue from the scoria cone within the main caldera. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 16 Aug. 2013

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 Dec. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on scoria

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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