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 Surprisingly, the results showed that the warming of the MCO began about 200,000 years before the flood basalt eruptions. Howard Lee, Ars Technica, 8 Sep. 2024 As the National Academies report explains, carbon-dioxide–rich fluids injected into basalt or peridotite formations (two kinds of igneous rock that make up much of the earth’s mantle) react with the rock, converting the dissolved carbon dioxide into solid carbon-containing minerals. Fred Krupp, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2019 The jetty is a 1,500-foot earthwork coil of basalt rock and mud that sprawls into the mirror-like expanse of the Great Salt Lake. Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2024 The professor glanced at them and informed her that all four were basalt, one of the most common rocks on the planet. Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for basalt 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'basalt.' 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

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

Dictionary Entries Near basalt

Cite this Entry

“Basalt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basalt. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

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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