phenocryst

noun

phe·​no·​cryst ˈfē-nə-ˌkrist How to pronounce phenocryst (audio)
: one of the prominent embedded crystals of a porphyry
phenocrystic adjective

Examples of phenocryst in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The phenocryst in this image has a core of biotite mica, already betraying the complex history of magma at Aucanquilcha. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 2 Dec. 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phenocryst.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French phénocryste, from Greek phainein to show + krystallos crystal — more at fancy

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenocryst was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near phenocryst

Cite this Entry

“Phenocryst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenocryst. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on phenocryst

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!