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diabase

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noun di·a·base \ ˈdī-ə-ˌbās \

Definition of diabase

1 archaic :diorite
2 chiefly British :an altered basalt
3 :a fine-grained rock of the composition of gabbro but with an ophitic texture
—

diabasic

play \ˌdī-ə-ˈbā-sik\ adjective

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Origin and Etymology of diabase

French, probably from Greek diabasis act of crossing over, from diabainein to cross over, from dia- + bainein to go — more at come

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  1. See words that rhyme with diabase Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diabase

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