1. A pipe-like body of rock formed by a volcanic explosion, typically filled with fragmented rock and minerals.
Usage: geology; technical

Examples

• The diamond mine was discovered in a diatreme that brought material up from deep within the Earth.
• Geologists studied the diatreme to understand the violent eruption that created it.
• Diatremes are often cylindrical or cone-shaped structures in the Earth's crust.
• The kimberlite diatreme contained precious gems from the mantle.
• Scientists examined the fragmented rock within the diatreme to date the volcanic event.