volcanic ash

American  

noun

Geology.

1. ash.

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Etymology

Origin of volcanic ash

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Scientists were able to determine the age of the fossils because they were preserved between two distinct layers of volcanic ash inside the cave.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Their position suggests they were later exposed to heat from lava or volcanic ash after they originally formed.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

The approach could improve predictions of how pollution spreads through cities, how wildfire smoke or volcanic ash travels through the atmosphere, and how engineered nanoparticles behave in industrial and medical applications.

From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2026

For seven weeks, the team will slowly melt the hard-won ice, releasing ancient dust, volcanic ash, and even tiny marine algae called diatoms that were locked inside when water turned to ice.

From BBC • Jul. 17, 2025

The animals had been found buried under volcanic ash up to ten feet deep.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson