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diabase

noun
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di·​a·​base | \ ˈdī-ə-ˌbās How to pronounce diabase (audio) \

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
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Other Words from diabase

diabasic \ ˌdī-​ə-​ˈbā-​sik How to pronounce diabase (audio) \ adjective

Examples of diabase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web It’s made of diabase traprock, which contains iron that causes the cliffs to look lumpen and rusty in the wrong light, precise and resplendent in the right one. — Christian Wiman, Harper's magazine, "The Cancer Chair," 20 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diabase.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of diabase

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for 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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Time Traveler for diabase

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The first known use of diabase was in 1811

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Cite this Entry

“Diabase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diabase. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021.

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More from Merriam-Webster on diabase

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diabase

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