basalt

noun

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

Examples of basalt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The addition of crushed silicate rock such as basalt to the soil can improve tree nutrition in two ways, either by stimulating tree growth via directly releasing nutrients into the soil, or by increasing soil PH. Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Millions of years ago, the Yakima River carved its way through basalt lava flows to form the Yakima River Canyon. Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026 The setting was a lush landscape of rice paddies, red basalt soil, the golden sands of the South China Sea beaches and bamboo thickets. Pavlo Fedykovych, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 The material combines recycled PETG with basalt fiber reinforcement. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for basalt

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basalt was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Basalt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basalt. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

basalt

noun
: a dark gray to black usually fine-grained igneous rock
basaltic adjective

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