Molten rock (below the earth)
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 28, 2026
Stuck on the clue Molten rock (below the earth) from the New York Times Midi for March 28, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Molten rock (below the earth) (5)
Answer
The answer to Molten rock (below the earth) is Magma (5 letters).
Why does Magma fit this clue?
This is a direct definition clue where 'Molten rock (below the earth)' points to MAGMA. Magma is molten or semi-molten rock material found beneath the Earth's surface, typically in the upper mantle or lower crust. The parenthetical qualifier '(below the earth)' distinguishes magma from lava, which is the same molten rock material but located above ground after erupting from a volcano. This geological distinction is crucial because the same substance has different names depending on its location relative to the Earth's surface.
What does Molten rock (below the earth) mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
molten
adjective
•melted by heat; in a liquid state due to extreme temperature
•made liquid by heat, especially referring to metals or rock
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 28-across in the New York Times Midi on March 28, 2026, by Kareem Ayas, edited by Ian Livengood. See all answers for this puzzle.
NYT Midi — Mar 28, 2026
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What does Magma mean?
noun
•The molten matter within the earth, the source of the material of lava flows, dikes of eruptive rocks, etc.
•A basic algebraic structure consisting of a set equipped with a single binary operation.
Origin of the word Magma
•origin: Greek word 'magma' meaning 'thick unguent, paste, or salve'
•period: 17th century
The word was first used in its geological sense in the 1860s, having evolved from its original meaning of a thick medicinal paste made by kneading ingredients together.
How to use Magma in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Magma.
•“Deep beneath the earth's surface, magma slowly rises through cracks in the rock toward the volcano above.”
•“When magma reaches the surface and erupts from a volcano, it is then called lava.”
•“The geologist explained that magma chambers can remain underground for thousands of years before eventually cooling and solidifying into igneous rock.”
What are other crossword clues for Magma?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Midi, Mar 28, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Midi for March 28, 2026 titled “This Blows!” was published by Kareem Ayas and has 32 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about Molten rock (below the earth)
- What is the answer to Molten rock (below the earth)?
- The answer is Magma (5 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Midi on March 28, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Molten rock (below the earth) have?
- The answer has 5 letters: Magma.
Author
Naitik Mehta
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Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Midi — Mar 28, 2026
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provider
editor
Ian Livengood
date
position
28 Across
answer length
5 letters