Definition

1. Noun:
   • Molten rock from a volcano: Lava is the hot, liquid rock that flows out of a volcano during an eruption. It is the name for magma (molten rock beneath the Earth's surface) once it has erupted and reached the surface.

Usage

• Lava is an uncountable noun used to describe the substance itself. You can talk about , , or .
• It is typically described by its temperature, viscosity, speed, or the type of rock it forms when it cools (e.g., basalt, pahoehoe, aa).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The volcano erupted, sending rivers of molten lava down its slopes.
  • The island was formed by successive layers of cooled lava.
  • Scientists study the composition of lava to understand the Earth's interior.

Advanced Usage

• "Lava flow": A moving outpouring of lava.
  • The slow-moving lava flow threatened the village.
• "Lava tube": A natural tunnel formed when the surface of a lava flow cools and hardens while the molten lava continues to flow beneath it.
  • We explored the cave, which was actually an ancient lava tube.

Variants and Related Words

• Magma (n): The molten rock material beneath the Earth's crust. Lava is magma that has reached the surface.
• Volcanic (adj): Relating to or produced by a volcano.
  • Volcanic ash covered the town.
• Igneous (adj): A type of rock formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
  • Granite and basalt are igneous rocks.

Synonyms

• Molten rock
• Magma (specifically when it is below the surface)

Related Phrases

• Lava lamp: A decorative lamp containing a colored, wax-like substance that rises and falls in a clear liquid, resembling lava flows.
• Lava dome: A mound-shaped projection of viscous lava from a volcano.

Noun

1. rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos; lava is what magma is called when it reaches the surface