patera noun3 •A broad, shallow dish used for drinking, primarily in ritual contexts such as libations. •The caldera or crater (dish-shaped depression) atop a volcano, especially an extraterrestrial one; also used in the names of extraterrestrial volcanoes which have such a caldera.What caused the transitions from explosive to effusive volcanism in the Circum-Hellas Volcanic Province generally and during the eruptive lifetimes of individual highland patera volcanoes? — 2020 •A circular ornament, resembling a dish, often worked in relief on friezes etc. formspaterae