tephra

[ˈtɛfrə]
nounfemininepl: tephras
tefra
1. Fragmented rock and ash ejected by a volcanic eruption into the atmosphere
The tephra from the volcano spread across several countries.
A tefra do vulcão se espalhou por vários países.
2. Material consisting of various sizes of pyroclastic fragments, from fine ash to large blocks
Scientists analyzed the tephra layers to understand the history of volcanic activity.
Os cientistas analisaram as camadas de tefra para entender o histórico da atividade vulcânica.
3. In geology and archaeology, used to date geological and archaeological strata through tephra chronology
Tephra deposits serve as excellent chronological markers in ice cores.
Os depósitos de tefra servem como excelentes marcadores cronológicos em núcleos de gelo.
Tephra is a specialized geological and scientific term with limited use in everyday Portuguese. It is primarily found in academic, geological, and archaeological contexts in both Brazil and Portugal. The word comes from Greek and is used internationally in scientific nomenclature without translation in many cases.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
volcanic ashpyroclastic materialvolcaniclastic sedimentash fall

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
tefra
Standard term used in geological and scientific contexts
Portugal
tefra
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; primarily used in academic geological studies
General
cinza vulcânica
Alternative descriptive translation meaning 'volcanic ash', though less precise scientifically

Related Words

pyroclasticvolcanolavavolcanic eruptionashpumicetuffvolcanic fallout
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