ScienceAugust 16, 2026
pozzolanic
poz-uh-LAN-ik
Definition
Relating to a type of reactive volcanic material that, when mixed with lime and water, undergoes a chemical reaction to create a durable, rock-like substance.
Etymology
Derived from Pozzuoli, a town in Italy near Mount Vesuvius where the volcanic ash used in Roman cement was historically sourced.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the specific chemical reaction between volcanic ash and lime that allows Roman concrete to gain strength and self-heal in marine environments.
Roman concrete piers built two thousand years ago along the Mediterranean coast are stronger now than the day they were poured, because seawater seeping into the volcanic ash mix triggers the slow growth of a rare crystal called aluminous tobermorite tha
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