solfatara

American  

[sohl-fuh-tahr-uh, sol-] / ˌsoʊl fəˈtɑr ə, ˌsɒl- /

noun

Geology.

1. a fumarole that gives off only sulfurous gases.

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solfatara British  

/ ˌsɒlfəˈtɑːrə /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• solfataric
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of solfatara

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

Example Sentences

This solfatara must formerly have been much more active than it is now.

From The Former Philippines thru Foreign Eyes by Craig, Austin

Hence we may conclude what must be the heat in this solfatara at the depth of thirty or forty fathoms.

From Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America, During the Year 1799-1804 — Volume 1 by Ross, Thomasina

—Montserrat, a solfatara; fine porphyritic lavas with large crystals of feldspar and hornblende near Galloway, according to Mr. Nugent.—Nevis, a solfatara.—St.

From Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America, During the Year 1799-1804 — Volume 1 by Ross, Thomasina

It was as weak as water, and tasted like the solfatara of Tivoli, but it came from his own vineyard in Germany, and was at least fifty years old.

From A Roman Singer by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)

Its present state is that of a solfatara; and it is rather an object of curious investigation, than of imposing aspect.

From Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America, During the Year 1799-1804 — Volume 1 by Ross, Thomasina