Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • In geology, noting the final, most vigorous stage in volcanic eruptions, especially of Vesuvius, during which violent explosions occur, with expulsion of large quantities of steam, ashes, scoriæ, and lava: named after Pliny, the describer of the great eruption of 79 a. d.
  • Of or pertaining to Pliny; specifically, in natural history, pertaining to C. Plinius Secundus (Pliny), a celebrated Roman author and naturalist (a. d. 23-79): as, Plinian names.
  • noun [lowercase] A variety of cobaltiferous arsenopyrite, erroneously supposed by Breithaupt to be distinct in crystallization.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective Of or pertaining to Pliny the Younger or Pliny the Elder

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