solfatara

[ sohl-fuh-tahr-uh, sol- ]

noun

, Geology.

1. a fumarole that gives off only sulfurous gases.

solfatara

/ ˌsɒlfəˈtɑːrə /

noun

1. a volcanic vent emitting only sulphurous gases and water vapour or sometimes hot mud

Derived Forms

• ˌsolfaˈtaric, adjective

Other Words From

• solfa·taric adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of solfatara¹

1770–80; < Italian (Neapolitan) solfatara, derivative of solfo < Latin sulfur; sulfur

Word History and Origins

Origin of solfatara¹

C18: from Italian: a sulphurous volcano near Naples, from solfo sulphur

Example Sentences

Last September, three people visiting the Solfatara volcano crater in Pozzuoli, a popular tourist attraction near Naples, died when an 11-year-old boy wandered past a barrier and fell into a pit; his parents tried to rescue him.

From Washington Post

But those hot gases hold an ominous story: Solfatara is part of the massive Phlegrean Fields, a threatening supervolcano experts agree could begin erupting anytime.

From Scientific American

POZZUOLLI, Italy—Tragedy struck at the Solfatara volcano crater north of Naples a few weeks ago.

From Scientific American

Part of determining just when Solfatara or another portion of Phlegrean Fields might erupt is understanding what is under the crust.

From Scientific American

The boy, who reportedly entered a prohibited area at the Solfatara di Pozzuoli volcano Tuesday, is believed to have fainted after inhaling sulphuric fumes, the Guardian reports citing Italian media.

From Time