igneous

adjective

ig·​ne·​ous ˈig-nē-əs 

1

a

: formed by solidification of magma

igneous rock

b

: relating to, resulting from, or suggestive of the intrusion or extrusion of magma or volcanic activity

2

: of, relating to, or resembling fire : fiery

Examples of igneous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sampling the air using sediments from the seabed The Toarcian warming event is one of a dozen or so periods of climate change in the geological past that were triggered by enormous volcanic phenomena known as large igneous provinces. — Howard Lee, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026

Formed from the uplift of igneous and metamorphic rock and carved by the Colorado River through erosion, the Grand Canyon remains one of America's natural treasures. — Alia Beard Rau, USA Today, 10 June 2026

After remotely examining the rock’s chemistry, researchers learned Arethusa is largely igneous minerals dating even further back than the Jezero Crater itself. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 May 2026

Within the samples was anorthosite, a type of igneous rock. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin igneus, from ignis fire; akin to Sanskrit agni fire

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for igneous

• ligneous

Kids Definition

igneous

adjective

ig·​ne·​ous ˈig-nē-əs 

: formed by hardening of melted earth

igneous rock

compare metamorphic, sedimentary sense 2