shield volcano

[sheeld vol-key-noh]

noun

Geology.

1. a volcano formed entirely from accumulated flows of fluid lava, growing a few feet at a time and giving the volcano its broad, gently sloping profile.

shield volcano

noun

1. a broad volcano built up from the repeated nonexplosive eruption of basalt to form a low dome or shield, usually having a large caldera at the summit

shield volcano

1. See under volcano

Word History and Origins

Origin of shield volcano¹

First recorded in 1910–15; translation of German Schildvulkan, from the resemblance of the volcano to an upturned circular shield