ScienceAugust 16, 2026

rockfalls

ROCK-fallz

Definition

The sudden descent of detached boulders or masses of rock from a steep slope or cliff, often triggered by events like earthquakes.

Etymology

The word is a compound derived from the Old English 'rocc' (stone or rock) and 'feallan' (to fall or descend), appearing in English to describe natural geologic mass-wasting events.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how seismic activity in Colombia's mountainous geography can dislodge debris, which then blocks highways and prevents rescue teams from reaching isolated victims.

Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 281 as Climate-Vulnerable Communities Face Growing Disaster Risks

Read the full article ↗

chshyd.in

Related words

archosaurs

A diverse group of reptiles including dinosaurs, birds, crocodiles, and pterosaurs, that…

Science

archosauriforms

A group of reptiles that includes the common ancestor of both crocodiles and dinosaurs,…

Science

archosauromorph

A member of a diverse group of diapsid reptiles that includes the common ancestors of…

Science

astrocytic

Relating to or derived from astrocytes, which are star-shaped support cells in the brain…

Science

backstrap

The long, tender muscle running along either side of an animal's spine, commonly referred…

Science

barrow

An ancient burial mound consisting of a hill of earth and stones raised over a grave.

Science

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.