ClimateAugust 9, 2026

lava

LAH-vuh

Definition

Hot, molten rock that has erupted from a volcano or fissure onto the Earth's surface, or the solidified rock formed after such material cools.

Etymology

The word originated in the mid-18th century from the Italian word 'lava,' meaning a stream or torrent, which itself likely derives from the Latin 'labes,' meaning a sliding or falling down.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the geological terrain of Iceland, where pipelines run across lava plateaus to transport geothermal energy.

Japan draws lessons from Iceland, a renewable energy powerhouse

Read the full article ↗

Japan Today

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