breccia

noun

brec·​cia ˈbre-ch(ē-)ə 

: a rock composed of sharp fragments embedded in a fine-grained matrix (such as sand or clay)

Examples of breccia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Previous research explained the chaotic rock formations found in the over 3.3-billion-old Greenstone Belt as breccia formed during large meteorite impacts, but according to the new study, the extent and frequency of such deposits would suggest an unrealistic high impact rate on early Earth. —David Bressan, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

The exploratory holes drilled into the breccia pipe to locate uranium could exacerbate that problem, some fear. —science.org, 15 Aug. 2024

The region has some of the nation’s highest-grade uranium ore in subterranean geologic formations known as breccia pipes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. —The Arizona Republic, 10 Jan. 2024

The floors are made with several types of marble in inlaid mosaics, including Carrara marble, Siena yellow marble, and Medicean breccia marble, which was also used at the Vatican. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

Italian

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

breccia

noun

brec·​cia ˈbrech-(ē-)ə 

: a rock composed of sharp pieces surrounded by a fine-grained material