rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos; lava is what magma is called when it reaches the surface
"After the eruption, thick layers of black lava cooled rapidly to form jagged rocks along the mountain's flank."
The molten rock ejected by a volcano from its crater or fissured sides.
"The eruption sent a river of glowing lava flowing down the mountain's side."
In plain English: Lava is molten rock that flows out of a volcano during an eruption.
"The hot lava flowed down the mountain after the volcano erupted yesterday."
Usage: Do not confuse this noun with the verb "lavish," which means to bestow something generously. It is also distinct from "lava" as an adjective, though such usage is nonstandard; always use it only as a noun referring to molten rock.
One of the twin children of the Lord Rāma and his wife Sita in the Ramayana.
"Lava was a brave prince who fought alongside Bharata to restore order after their father's exile."
The word "lava" comes from the Italian and Sicilian dialects, where it originally meant a downpour overflowing the streets. It likely derives from the Latin word lābēs, meaning a fall or collapse.