basalt

noun

ba·​salt bə-ˈsȯlt  ˈbā-ˌsȯlt 

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

basaltic

bə-ˈsȯl-tik 

adjective

Examples of basalt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The grapes grow in dark basalt soil, a complex terroir, says Robert, and adds that the last eruption of Teide was in 1909. — Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Giant's Causeway The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland offers a spectacular foreground for the eclipse, with the sun appearing low above the Atlantic beyond the famous basalt columns. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 15 July 2026

The 1500 feet-long sculpture, made of 6000 tons of black basalt rock and earth, juts out of the basin and is encrusted with white salt, having been altered over the years by the salty pink water that used to flow there. — Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 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

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

Rhymes for basalt

• asphalt
• assault
• cobalt
• default
• exalt
• gestalt
• alt
• fault
• gault
• halt
• malt
• sault

Kids Definition

basalt

noun

ba·​salt bə-ˈsȯlt  ˈbā-ˌsȯlt 

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

basaltic

bə-ˈsȯl-tik 

adjective