First Known Use: 1759
Dictionary
lava
noun la·va \ˈlä-və, ˈla-\
: melted rock from a volcano
Full Definition of LAVA
: molten rock that issues from a volcano or from a fissure in the surface of a planet (as earth) or moon; also : such rock that has cooled and hardened
— la·va·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
See lava defined for English-language learners
See lava defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of LAVA
Italian, ultimately from Latin labes fall; akin to Latin labi to slide — more at sleep
LAVA Defined for Kids
lava
noun la·va \ˈlä-və, ˈla-\
Definition of LAVA for Kids
: melted rock coming from a volcano or after it has cooled and hardened
Learn More About LAVA
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up lava? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).