diatreme

[ dahy-uh-treem ]

noun

, Geology.

1. a volcanic vent produced in a solid rock structure by the explosive energy of gases in magmas.

diatreme

/ dī′ə-trēm′ /

1. A volcanic pipe, filled with breccia, formed by a subterranean gaseous explosion.
2. See illustration at batholith

Word History and Origins

Origin of diatreme¹

1930–35; dia- + Greek trêma hole

Example Sentences

Most maars have low rims composed of a mixture of loose fragments of volcanic rock and rocks torn from the walls of the diatreme.

From Project Gutenberg