A1 noun Neutral #31 most common

magma

/ˈmæɡ.mə/

Magma is extremely hot, liquid rock found deep under the Earth's surface. It is the material that forms volcanoes and turns into lava when it comes out of the ground.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The teacher told the class that magma is found under the ground.

The teacher told the class that magma is found under the ground.

2

Scientific instruments detected a shift in the magma deep within the crust.

Scientific instruments detected a shift in the magma deep within the crust.

3

Did you see that movie where the characters fall into a pit of magma?

Did you see that movie where the characters fall into a pit of magma?

Word Family

Noun
magma
Adjective
magmatic
Related
magmatism
💡

Memory Tip

Remember: Magma is in the 'Middle' (underground), while Lava 'Leaves' the volcano.

Quick Quiz

The hot liquid rock under the Earth is called ______, but when it comes out it is called lava.

Correct!

The correct answer is: magma

Examples

1

The teacher told the class that magma is found under the ground.

everyday

The teacher told the class that magma is found under the ground.

2

Scientific instruments detected a shift in the magma deep within the crust.

formal

Scientific instruments detected a shift in the magma deep within the crust.

3

Did you see that movie where the characters fall into a pit of magma?

informal

Did you see that movie where the characters fall into a pit of magma?

4

The composition of the magma determines what kind of rock will form after it cools.

academic

The composition of the magma determines what kind of rock will form after it cools.

5

The energy company is researching ways to use heat from magma to create power.

business

The energy company is researching ways to use heat from magma to create power.

Word Family

Noun
magma
Adjective
magmatic
Related
magmatism

Common Collocations

magma chamber magma chamber
molten magma molten magma
cooling magma cooling magma
magma flow magma flow
rising magma rising magma

Common Phrases

underground magma

underground magma

magma reservoir

magma reservoir

source of magma

source of magma

Often Confused With

magma vs lava

Magma is the molten rock while it is underground; lava is the same substance once it reaches the surface.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word specifically when talking about liquid rock that has not yet erupted from a volcano. It is a scientific term but is used commonly in school and nature documentaries.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'magma' to describe the red liquid flowing down a mountain, but at that stage, it should be called 'lava'.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember: Magma is in the 'Middle' (underground), while Lava 'Leaves' the volcano.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek word 'magma' which means 'a thick ointment' or 'kneaded mass'.

Grammar Patterns

uncountable noun the plural 'magmas' is used only when referring to different types of magma often used as a noun adjunct (e.g., magma chamber)

Quick Quiz

The hot liquid rock under the Earth is called ______, but when it comes out it is called lava.

Correct!

The correct answer is: magma

More nature words

fungi

A1

Fungi are a large group of living things, such as mushrooms, molds, and yeast, that grow on soil or old plants. They are different from plants because they do not use the sun to make food, but instead break down dead material.

galaxy

A1

A galaxy is a very large group of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity. There are billions of galaxies in the universe, and our home is called the Milky Way.

fossil

A1

A fossil is the remains or trace of a plant or animal that lived a very long time ago, preserved in rock. It helps scientists understand how life on Earth has changed over millions of years.

pollen

A1

Pollen is a fine powder, usually yellow, produced by flowers and trees. It is carried by wind or insects to other plants so they can produce seeds and fruit.

stream

A1

A stream is a small, narrow flow of water that moves naturally along a fixed path. It is smaller than a river and can usually be found in forests or parks.

swamp

A1

A swamp is a low area of land that is always very wet or covered with water. It usually has many trees and plants growing in it and is often home to animals like frogs and alligators.

tundra

A1

A large, flat area of land in very cold parts of the world, such as the Arctic. In this area, the ground is frozen and there are no trees, only small plants like moss.

high

A1

tall

rainforest

A1

A thick forest in a tropical area that receives a large amount of rain throughout the year. It is a dense habitat known for having many different types of plants and animals.

wetland

A1

A wetland is an area of land that is always wet or covered with shallow water. It is a very important place where many different plants and animals, like birds and frogs, live.

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