Meaning
岩浆 refers to molten rock found beneath the Earth's surface (magma) or flowing on the surface after a volcanic eruption (lava). It's a geological term commonly used in scientific contexts, nature documentaries, and discussions about volcanoes and plate tectonics.
Usage
This is a technical/scientific term that appears in educational materials, news reports about volcanic activity, and nature documentaries. While not used in everyday conversation, it's well-known to educated speakers. Native speakers often use it interchangeably to refer to both subsurface magma and surface lava, though technically 熔岩 (róng yán) is more precise for cooled lava rock.
Examples
- 01火山喷发时，炽热的岩浆从火山口涌出。, .When the volcano erupts, scorching magma gushes out from the crater.
- 02地下的岩浆温度可以达到一千多度。.Underground magma can reach temperatures of over one thousand degrees.
Characters
Measure words
- 股一股岩浆
- 层一层岩浆
Common collocations
- 岩浆喷发magma eruption
- 岩浆流动lava flow
- 地下岩浆underground magma
- 岩浆活动magmatic activity
Origin
The compound combines 岩 (rock) with 浆 (thick liquid/paste), literally meaning 'rock liquid' or 'molten rock,' which directly describes the substance's nature as liquefied stone.