Plinian

 
Pronunciation: /ˈplɪnɪən/

adjective

Geology
  • relating to or denoting a type of volcanic eruption in which a narrow stream of gas and ash is violently ejected from a vent to a height of several miles.

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Italian pliniano, with reference to the eruption of Vesuvius in ad 79, in which Pliny the Elder died