laterite

[ lat-uh-rahyt ]

noun

, Geology.

1. a reddish ferruginous soil formed in tropical regions by the decomposition of the underlying rocks.
2. a similar soil formed of materials deposited by water.
3. any soil produced by the decomposition of the rocks beneath it.

laterite

/ ˌlætəˈrɪtɪk; ˈlætəˌraɪt /

noun

1. any of a group of deposits consisting of residual insoluble deposits of ferric and aluminium oxides: formed by weathering of rocks in tropical regions

laterite

/ lăt′ə-rīt′ /

1. A red, porous, claylike soil formed by the leaching of silica-rich components and enrichment of aluminum and iron hydroxides. They are especially common in humid climates. Laterites that are poor in iron oxides and rich in aluminum oxides are called bauxites.
2. Also called latosol
3. See more at bauxite

Derived Forms

• lateritic, adjective

Other Words From

• lat·er·it·ic [lat-, uh, -, rit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of laterite¹

1800–10; < Latin later brick, tile + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of laterite¹

C19: from Latin later brick, tile

Example Sentences

Sulphide deposits are seen as greener than laterite deposits found in top producer Indonesia because they require less power to process than laterite alternatives that are often processed using coal.

From Reuters

An expansive laterite plateau, which is flanked by cliffside fishing villages, mango orchards and ancient petroglyphs, is being acquired to make way for the world's largest petrochemical refinery in western India's ecologically fragile Konkan belt.

From BBC

High-grade nickel laterite ore will be imported from nearby New Caledonia, GM said.

From Reuters

Unlike many minerals that can be mined in deep excavations, which are relatively small in extent, this laterite nickel is widespread and shallow.

From Seattle Times

More than 10% of the world's laterite nickel ore reserves are located in Indonesia, the German carmaker added.

From Reuters