Tephra
/ˈtɛf.rə/noun
Fragmented volcanic material, such as ash, pumice, and rock, ejected into the air during an eruption.
Did you know?The word comes from Ancient Greek τέφρα, meaning “ashes,” and is related to the Greek verb τέφω, “to burn,” though the deeper Indo-European connection is considered uncertain.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
τέφρα (téphra)
“Ashes; volcanic ash or burned residue”
Classical Greek
Greek
τέφω (téphō)
“To burn or consume by fire; a possible related form”
19th Century
Scientific English
tephra
“A geological term for material ejected by a volcano”
Modern English
English
tephra
“All airborne and deposited volcanic fragments, from fine ash to large blocks”