Pronunciation: [lˈapɪləs] (IPA) 
The word "lapillus" is spelled with two "l"s, even though it may not seem necessary in English. However, this double "l" is actually derived from the Latin spelling "lapillus", which is pronounced /laˈpil.lus/. In Latin, double letters were used to indicate a short vowel sound, and the second "l" in "lapillus" serves this purpose. So while it may seem unnecessary in English, it is actually a remnant of the word's Latin roots.
Lapillus is a noun that refers to a small, rounded stone or pebble. The term is of Latin origin, derived from the word "lapis," meaning stone. Often found along shorelines or riverbeds, lapilli are typically smooth, polished, and well-rounded due to natural erosion caused by water currents. They are commonly made of various materials including quartz, granite, limestone, or basalt.
These small stones hold a significant place in various ecosystems and geological formations. Lapilli can serve as essential components of sedimentary rocks, formed through the deposition and solidification of sediments over time. They can also play a role in coastal erosion, as waves repeatedly crash against them, gradually breaking them down into smaller particles.
Furthermore, lapilli have been used by humans for various purposes throughout history. They have served as tools for grinding or sharpening other objects, as well as for decorative purposes. Lapilli may be polished, painted, and used to create mosaics or even jewelry.
In the field of geology, lapilli also has a specific meaning. It refers to volcanic fragments, typically between 2 and 64 mm in diameter, that are ejected during explosive eruptions. These lapilli are solidified droplets of magma or fragments of solidified lava that have been ejected into the air and then cooled rapidly, forming rounded volcanic particles.
In summary, lapillus refers to a small, rounded stone or pebble found in various environments such as coastlines, rivers, and volcanic eruptions.
The word "lapillus" is derived from the Latin word "lapis", which means "stone". The diminutive form of "lapis" is "lapillus", meaning "small stone" or "pebble". It is used in various scientific contexts, especially in geology and volcanology, to refer to small, rounded fragments of volcanic rock or volcanic ash.
