caldera

[ kal-der-uh, kawl- ]

noun

1. a large, basinlike depression resulting from the explosion or collapse of the center of a volcano.

caldera

/ kælˈdɛərə; ˈkɔːldərə /

noun

1. See cirque
   a large basin-shaped crater at the top of a volcano, formed by the collapse or explosion of the cone See cirque

caldera

/ kăl-dâr′ə,-dîr′ə,käl- /

1. A large, roughly circular crater left after a volcanic explosion or the collapse of a volcanic cone. Calderas are typically much wider in diameter than the openings of the vents from which they were formed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of caldera¹

1860–65; < Spanish Caldera, name of a crater on Canary Islands, literally, cauldron < Late Latin caldāria, noun use of feminine of caldārius of warming; caldarium

Word History and Origins

Origin of caldera¹

C19: from Spanish Caldera (literally: cauldron ), name of a crater in the Canary Islands

Example Sentences

Plan at least three days to fully experience this rugged loop, which travels from Santa Fe National Forest to the Valles Caldera National Preserve, home to the country’s largest caldera.

From Outside Online

Early in the century, they were still debating whether the craters on the moon were impact craters or volcanic calderas.

From Science News

For years, he has been an expeditionary videographer and innovator who climbed calderas and attempted to bridge the gap between audiences, humanitarian response, and science.

From TechCrunch

It’s the flooded caldera of a volcano that sank into the sea eons ago.

From Outside Online

Gravity data from satellites echo the look of other calderas.

From Science News

Below lies the turquoise waters of the caldera, flecked with the white triangles of sailing boats.

From The Daily Beast

Situated at 5,400 feet, it's encircled by jagged peaks that make you feel you're cupped inside a caldera.

From The Daily Beast

However this may have been, Caldera went to serve under Ancostan an officer of the king of Bisnagar.

From Project Gutenberg

Caldera is a convict settlement for native Filipinos, but Spanish criminals are sent to Spain.

From Project Gutenberg

Cyrille Caldera blushed brightly although her affair with Quarren had been of the most innocent description.

From Project Gutenberg

Once Mrs. Caldera thoughtlessly laid a pretty hand on his arm as though in emphasis.

From Project Gutenberg

Ronquillo later reported the place indefensible and was authorized to retire to Caldera.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hole
• mouth
• pit