Pele's hair

[ pey-leyz, pee-leez ]

noun

1. volcanic glass thread, usually basaltic, caused by the solidification of exploding or ejected lava in the open air.

Pele's hair

/ ˈpeɪleɪz; ˈpiːliːz /

noun

1. fine threads of volcanic glass formed from molten lava by the action of wind, explosion, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pele's hair¹

1840–50; translation of Hawaiian lauoho-o-Pele hair of Pele (goddess of the volcano Kilauea)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pele's hair¹

C20: translation of Hawaiian lauoho-o Pele, from Pele, name of the goddess of volcanoes

Example Sentences

When volcanoes erupt, they also emit matter which cools to form shards of glass called Pele's Hair.

From BBC

“Pele’s hair” specimens from Kilauea volcano’s eruption are visible at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

From Seattle Times

Lava flowing from the volcano was confined to the summit area, but officials warned that winds could carry volcanic gas, fine ash and thin glass fibers known as Pele’s hair downwind.

From New York Times

The fountains began producing Pele's hair, which is one of the most awesome things basalt does.

From Scientific American

In previous volcanic eruptions, Pele's hair has caused trouble for the many Hawaiians who collect rainwater for drinking water.

From Scientific American