lava lamp

[ lah-vuh lamp ]

noun

1. an electric lamp made of a transparent, tapered cylinder containing a liquid in which a colored wax-based or waxlike substance is stimulated by the heat of the light bulb to change into randomly separating shapes that constantly rise and fall:

   Call me an old hippie, but lava lamps belong in rooms with Woodstock posters and beaded curtains, not among the pristine décor of gabled verandas.

lava lamp

noun

1. a decorative type of lamp in which a luminous viscous material moves in constantly changing shapes

Word History and Origins

Origin of lava lamp¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Word History and Origins

Origin of lava lamp¹

C20: from the resemblance of the shapes to molten lava in water

Example Sentences

Using stuff you probably have lying around the kitchen, you and your family can make your very own lava lamp and learn a bit of science while doing it!

From National Geographic Kids

Pour salt into the jar until you see the cool lava lamp effect.

From National Geographic Kids

Shine a flashlight behind the jar to watch your lava lamp really glow!

From National Geographic Kids

The tablet is propped up in a cozy-looking bedroom next to a lava lamp, a mascara tube and a framed portrait of the girl and her dog.

From Los Angeles Times

Surely I was in for many nights of taking in the wonder of a rapidly shimmering ectoplasm-green alien lava lamp.

From Slate