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.
In addition to steatite, sedimentary stones and basalt were also carved for pipes. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 14 June 2025 What the Dutch scientists did was to look at the ratios of ruthenium and tungsten isotopes found in oceanic basalts and picrites from Hawaii, Baffin Island, Galápagos, and La Réunion islands. David Szondy june 07, New Atlas, 7 June 2025 Some metals like chromium and nickel can derive from weathering of basalt, a type of volcanic rock quite common worldwide, and some metamorphic rocks. David Bressan, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 Flashback: Constructed in 1866, the 32-foot pyramid was built from basalt taken from a ledge on the north side of what is now Oswego Lake and could withstand temperatures of up to 2,800° Fahrenheit. Meira Gebel, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025 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 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

basalt

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

More from Merriam-Webster on basalt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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