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lava

Pronunciation: /ˈlɑːvə/

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Definition of lava

noun

[mass noun]

hot molten or semi-fluid rock erupted from a volcano or fissure, or solid rock resulting from cooling of this: tablelands of lava [count noun]:porphyritic lavas

Origin:

mid 18th century: from Italian (Neapolitan dialect), denoting the lava stream from Vesuvius, but originally denoting a stream caused by sudden rain, from lavare 'to wash', from Latin