A laccolite is a geological term used to describe a small igneous rock formation that is situated beneath the Earth's surface. Other synonyms for the word include a dome, a bulbous intrusion, or a pancake-shaped magma chamber. These formations are typically formed when magma rises through the Earth's crust and gets trapped within a rock layer. Over time, the magma cools and solidifies, creating the distinctive shape of a laccolite. Other formations that are similar to a laccolite include a diapir or a pluton. These geological formations can be found in various locations worldwide and have been the subject of extensive research by geologists and scientists.