diatreme

[ dahy-uh-treem ]
/ ˈdaɪ əˌtrim /

noun Geology.

a volcanic vent produced in a solid rock structure by the explosive energy of gases in magmas.

Origin of diatreme

1930–35; dia- + Greek trêma hole

Example sentences from the Web for diatreme

  • Most maars have low rims composed of a mixture of loose fragments of volcanic rock and rocks torn from the walls of the diatreme.

    Volcanoes |Robert I. Tilling

Scientific definitions for diatreme

diatreme
[ dīə-trēm′ ]

A volcanic pipe, filled with breccia, formed by a subterranean gaseous explosion. See illustration at batholith.