# lava

/ˈɫɑvə/ (US) · /lˈɑːvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lava
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. volcanic rock

noun · CEFR B1

the extremely hot, liquid rock that flows out of a volcano.

For teachers: molten rock that has breached the Earth's surface through a volcanic vent or fissure.

- The red-hot lava flowed slowly down the side of the mountain toward the sea.
- Geologists monitored the viscosity of the lava as it advanced toward the abandoned village, noting its unusual chemical composition.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the substance; countable when referring to specific flows or types of rock.

### 2. a colour

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a bright, intense shade of orange-red.

For teachers: a vivid, high-saturation shade of red or orange-red inspired by the appearance of molten rock.

- The sky turned a deep lava red as the sun began to set.
- The designer chose a palette of charcoal and lava to evoke a sense of raw, elemental energy in the branding.

## Examples

- The red lava flowed slowly down the side of the mountain.
- Scientists monitored the speed of the lava as it moved toward the abandoned village.
- The viscosity of the lava determines the shape of the volcano, with thinner flows creating broad shield volcanoes and thicker flows building steep, explosive peaks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.