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Definition of hekla
hekla
/ˈhɛklə/
Hek · la
hekla Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A highly active stratovolcano located in the south of Iceland, famous for its frequent eruptions and historically known in the Middle Ages as the 'Gateway to Hell'.
Example
"Geologists are constantly monitoring Hekla due to its history of sudden and explosive volcanic eruptions."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Old Norse 'hekla', meaning 'short cloak' or 'hood', likely in reference to the frequent cloud cover that conceals the volcano's summit.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hekla. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hekla