caldera

noun cal·de·ra \kal-ˈder-ə, kȯl-, -ˈdir-\

Definition of CALDERA

: a volcanic crater that has a diameter many times that of the vent and is formed by collapse of the central part of a volcano or by explosions of extraordinary violence

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Origin of CALDERA

Spanish, literally, caldron, from Late Latin caldaria — more at cauldron

First Known Use: 1691

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

Rhymes with CALDERA

Herrera, mascara, Ribera, Rivera, Sahara, sierra, tiara

Learn More About CALDERA

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "caldera"

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "caldera"

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