lapillus

noun

la·​pil·​lus lə-ˈpi-ləs How to pronounce lapillus (audio)
plural lapilli lə-ˈpi-ˌlī How to pronounce lapillus (audio)
-(ˌ)lē
: a small stony or glassy fragment of lava ejected in a volcanic eruption

Examples of lapillus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This eruption would technically be a vulcanian eruption according to MVO and prevailing winds prevented ash or lapilli from falling on the eastern half of Montserrat. Erik Klemetti, WIRED, 8 Feb. 2010

Word History

Etymology

Latin, diminutive of lapis

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lapillus was in 1747

Dictionary Entries Near lapillus

Cite this Entry

“Lapillus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lapillus. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lapillus

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!