1 volcanic glass | Definition of volcanic glass

volcanic glass

noun

Definition of volcanic glass

: natural glass produced by the cooling of molten lava too rapidly to permit crystallization

Examples of volcanic glass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Strands of volcanic glass called as Pele's hair was accumulating on the ground in Leilani Estates and surrounding neighborhoods, and winds may blow lighter particles farther away, scientists said. Caleb Jones, Fox News, "Current lava flows are hottest, fastest of latest eruption," 1 June 2018 Strands of volcanic glass called as Pele’s hair was accumulating on the ground in Leilani Estates and surrounding neighborhoods, and winds may blow lighter particles farther away, scientists said. Washington Post, "Current lava flows are hottest, fastest of latest eruption," 30 May 2018 Pele's hair: Pele's hair — fine strands of volcanic glass fibers — is formed from lava fountains and rapidly moving lava flows, the U.S. Geological Survey said. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, "What in the world are vog, laze and Pele's hair? A volcano glossary," 1 June 2018 Residents also have had to contend with poisonous gases given off by the lava, which can include laze -- hydrochloric acid and volcanic glass particles. Paul P. Murphy, CNN, "Lava flow evaporates Hawaii's largest freshwater lake within hours," 6 June 2018 Lava from the volcano has also been spewing a deadly plume containing tiny particles of volcanic glass. James Rogers, Fox News, "Hawaii volcano: Kilauea lava boiled away Big Island's largest freshwater lake," 13 June 2018 The lava's entry into the ocean was also producing laze -- a hazardous mix of acidic steam, hydrochloric acid gas and tiny shards of volcanic glass. Faith Karimi, CNN, "Hawaii volcano's bubbling lava is enough to cover Manhattan," 8 June 2018 Volcanic ash produced by small explosions from the volcano is a mixture of tiny spheres and shards of volcanic glass, including Pele's hair. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, "What in the world are vog, laze and Pele's hair? A volcano glossary," 1 June 2018 Made out of hydrochloric acid, steam, and shards of volcanic glass, the gas is hazardous to anyone who breathes it. Rachel Becker, The Verge, "The lava striking the sea is gorgeous — and can be deadly," 22 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'volcanic glass.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of volcanic glass

1780, in the meaning defined above

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More from Merriam-Webster on volcanic glass

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with volcanic glass

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about volcanic glass