evaporite

noun

evap·​o·​rite i-ˈva-pə-ˌrīt 

: a sedimentary rock (such as gypsum) that originates by evaporation of seawater in an enclosed basin

evaporitic

i-ˌva-pə-ˈri-tik 

adjective

Examples of evaporite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It is mined from evaporite deposits formed by the evaporation of mineral-rich water and is later processed into a white, water-soluble powder, says pest control expert Tony King. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026

The spacecraft’s sample container kept the Bennu sample airtight, so these evaporites stayed intact. — Mary Magnuson, The Conversation, 13 May 2025

Some of these evaporites have previously been found in extraterrestrial samples, but never before has a complete set been detected. — Michael Irving, New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2025

While 30% to 50% of the rock struck by the Chicxulub impactor was made up of evaporite deposits like salt and gypsum, almost none of that material is found in the core. — Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, 15 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

evaporation + -ite entry 1

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for evaporite

• actinolite
• adipocyte
• amphibolite
• anorthosite
• anthophyllite
• aragonite
• carbonatite
• cassiterite
• chalcopyrite
• cristobalite
• crocidolite
• diatomite

Kids Definition

evaporite

noun

evap·​o·​rite i-ˈvap-ə-ˌrīt 

: a sedimentary rock (as gypsum) that forms from evaporation of seawater in an enclosed basin