granite

gran·ite

noun \ˈgra-nət\

Definition of GRANITE

1

: a very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline texture formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline and used especially for building and for monuments

2

: unyielding firmness or endurance <the cold granite of Puritan formalism — V. L. Parrington>

— gran·ite·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

— gra·nit·ic \gra-ˈni-tik\ adjective

— gran·it·oid \ˈgra-nə-ˌtȯid\ adjective

Examples of GRANITE

1. <had the granite to see the project out to the end>

Origin of GRANITE

Italian granito, from past participle of granire to granulate, from grano grain, from Latin granum

First Known Use: 1646

Related to GRANITE

Synonyms

decidedness, decision, decisiveness, determinedness, firmness, determination, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution, resolve, stick-to-itiveness

Antonyms

hesitation, indecision, indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation

Related Words

doggedness, obduracy, obdurateness, obstinacy, obstinateness, perseverance, persistence, persistency, stubbornness, tenaciousness, tenacity; certainty, certitude, confidence, sureness; alacrity, eagerness, gameness, readiness; backbone, fortitude, grit, iron, pluck, sand

Near Antonyms

doubt, incertitude, indetermination, uncertainty; aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness

Other Geology Terms

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

Rhymes with GRANITE

gannet, planet

granite

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Coarse- or medium-grained intrusive rock that is rich in quartz and alkali feldspar. One of the most common rocks of the Earth's crust, it is formed by the cooling of magma. Granite was once used extensively as paving blocks and building stone, but today its principal uses are as roadway curbing, veneer for building faces, and tombstones. Granite characteristically forms irregular masses of extremely variable size, ranging from less than 5 mi (8 km) in maximum dimension to larger masses (batholiths) that are often hundreds of square miles in area.