spilite

noun

spi·​lite
ˈspīˌlēt
plural -s
: a very fine-grained to dense and greenish to gray-green extrusive rock of the gabbro family often vesicular or amygdaloid and generally free from phenocrysts that is composed essentially of the same minerals as diabase and shows an ophitic texture with augite grains between laths of basic plagioclase
spilitic
⸗ˈlitik
adjective

Word History

Etymology

French, from Greek spilos spot, stain + French -ite

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Cite this Entry

“Spilite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spilite. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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