tephra

noun

teph·​ra ˈte-frə How to pronounce tephra (audio)
: solid material ejected into the air during a volcanic eruption
especially : ash entry 2 sense 2b

Examples of tephra 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.
The tephra prompted temporary closures at the national park around the summit and a partial closure of Highway 11, an important route around the island, on either side of the park. Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026 The National Park Service has closed Kīlauea’s summit, citing danger from glassy volcanic fragments known as tephra. Dennis Romero, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026 This tephra fell not just over the volcano’s slopes, but over a nearby highway and residential areas. Owen Clarke, Outside, 11 Mar. 2026 Hawaii County officials also opened a shelter at a district gymnasium for residents and tourists impacted by the road closure or falling tephra. CBS News, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tephra

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, ashes; akin to Sanskrit dahati it burns — more at foment

First Known Use

circa 1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tephra was circa 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Tephra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tephra. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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