basalt

ba·salt

noun \bə-ˈsȯlt, ˈbā-ˌ\

Definition of BASALT

: a dark gray to black dense to fine-grained igneous rock that consists of basic plagioclase, augite, and usually magnetite

— ba·sal·tic \bə-ˈsȯl-tik\ adjective

Origin of BASALT

Latin basaltes, manuscript variant of basanites touchstone, from Greek basanitēs (lithos), from basanos touchstone, from Egyptian bḫnw

First Known Use: 1601

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

Rhymes with BASALT

asphalt, assault, Chennault, cobalt, cross vault, default, desalt, exalt, fan vault, foot fault, gestalt, no-fault, pole vault, rock salt, Schwarzwald, stringhalt