Plinian
/ (ˈplɪnɪən) /
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adjective
geology (of a volcanic eruption) characterized by repeated explosions
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
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Word Origin for Plinian
C20: named after Pliny the Younger, who described such eruptions
Words nearby Plinian
pliers, plight, plimsoll, Plimsoll line, Plimsoll mark, Plinian, plink, plinth, plinth block, Pliny, plio-
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Example sentences from the Web for Plinian
It would be impossible in any case for me to attempt a Plinian panegyric, or a French éloge.
The Posthumous Works of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. II (2 vols)|Thomas De QuinceyRead two papers before the Plinian Society of Edinburgh "at the close of 1826 or early in 1827."
More Letters of Charles Darwin|Charles DarwinFast-moving deadly pyroclastic flows (“nuées ardentes”) are also commonly associated with plinian eruptions.
Volcanoes|Robert I. TillingThe most powerful eruptions are called “plinian” and involve the explosive ejection of relatively viscous lava.
Volcanoes|Robert I. Tilling