pyroclastic

[pahy-ruh-klas-tik]

adjective

Geology.

1. composed chiefly of fragments of volcanic origin, as agglomerate, tuff, and certain other rocks; volcaniclastic.

pyroclastic

/ ˌpaɪrəʊˈklæstɪk /

adjective

1. (of rocks) formed from the solid fragments ejected during a volcanic eruption

pyroclastic

1. Composed chiefly of rock fragments of explosive origin, especially those associated with explosive volcanic eruptions. Volcanic ash, obsidian, and pumice are examples of pyroclastic materials.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyroclastic¹

First recorded in 1885–90; pyro- + clastic

Example Sentences

Footage shared throughout Monday shows a rapidly moving mix of ash, gas and rock - known as a pyroclastic flow - emerging from the site and moving down the side of the volcano.

From BBC

Pyroclastic flow can be very dangerous to the surrounding area, but there has been no indication of an imminent threat.

From BBC

The temperature of the pyroclastic flows that buried Herculaneum and Pompeii was several hundreds of degrees Celsius, hot enough to easily burn and destroy soft tissue.

From Salon

The rest of the skeleton, other than the tibia, which was partly vitrified and generally preserved, was “completely charred and burst from being subjected to the intense heat of the pyroclastic ash surge, a high-speed turbulent cloud rich in hot gases, ash and steam,” as Petrone eloquently described it.

From Salon

The last mortal remains of his fellow residents of Herculaneum were found mostly where they fell, several hundred crowded onto the beach and in beach-front chambers, presumably in hopes of escaping the pyroclastic currents that soon engulfed them, preserving them and the details of their life 2,000 years ago: papyrus scrolls, bread, olives, bronze pitchers, furniture, fresh and dried fruit — all under an avalanche of volcanic deposits.

From Salon