phonolite

[ fohn-l-ahyt ]

noun

1. a fine-grained volcanic rock composed chiefly of alkali feldspar and nepheline, some varieties of which split into pieces that ring on being struck.

phonolite

/ ˌfəʊnəˈlɪtɪk; ˈfəʊnəˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a fine-grained volcanic igneous rock consisting of alkaline feldspars and nepheline

Derived Forms

• phonolitic, adjective

Other Words From

• pho·no·lit·ic [fohn-l-, it, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phonolite¹

1820–30; < French < German Phonolith. See phono-, -lite

Word History and Origins

Origin of phonolite¹

C19: via French from German Phonolith; see phono- , -lite

Example Sentences

XAS determination of the Fe local environment and oxidation state in phonolite glasses.

From Nature

At last we draw ourselves up a huge wedge of phonolite and find ourselves at the summit of the first peak.

From Project Gutenberg

It is formed of basalt, trachyte and phonolite, and the soil is very fertile.

From Project Gutenberg

Clinkstone or phonolite is a greenish-gray, compact, felspathic rock, somewhat slaty or schistose, and weathers with a white crust.

From Project Gutenberg

The rocks are lavas and ashes, chiefly of andesitic or basaltic composition, but rhyolites and trachytes also occur, and phonolite has been met with in one or two places.

From Project Gutenberg