Definition

A slender, glassy structure formed when lightning strikes and melts sand or soil.

Example

The scientist collected samples of fulgurite to study its formation process.

Conversation

Did you know that a fulgurite is formed when lightning strikes sand?

Really? I had no idea that lightning could create something like that.

Yeah, it's like a natural glass tube!

That's so cool! I wonder where you can find one.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fulgurite is derived from "fulgur" (meaning lightning) and the suffix "-ite" (meaning related to or derived from). The word refers to a type of glassy mineral formed when lightning strikes sand or soil, thus relating it to lightning.

Memory Tip

Think of 'fulgur' meaning lightning, and remember that 'fulgurite' is a mineral formed from the power of lightning striking the ground.

Visually Confused Words