noun

magma

/ˈmæɡmə/ · say it: MAG·muh

molten rock beneath the earth's surface

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) hot liquid rock beneath the Earth's surface that cools and hardens to form igneous rock

2. (noun) a thick paste or mixture of solid and liquid

Examples

1. When magma erupts from a volcano, it is called lava.
2. The magma of crushed herbs and water formed a healing paste.

How to use magma

Magma refers specifically to hot molten rock while still underground; once it erupts onto the Earth's surface, it is called lava. In geology, magma is central to understanding volcanic activity and rock formation. The second sense (thick paste or mixture) is technical and rarely used outside specialized contexts.

Common phrases

magma chamber
molten magma
magma rises
magma cools
beneath the surface

Synonyms

molten rock · lava (when at surface) · magmatic material · liquid rock

Word family

magmatic (adjective) · magmatism (noun)

A common mistake

Learners often confuse magma with lava, using them interchangeably; magma is underground, lava is above ground.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD