rhyolite

[ rahy-uh-lahyt ]

noun

1. a fine-grained igneous rock rich in silica: the volcanic equivalent of granite.

rhyolite

/ ˈraɪəˌlaɪt; ˌraɪəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. a fine-grained igneous rock consisting of quartz, feldspars, and mica or amphibole. It is the volcanic equivalent of granite

rhyolite

/ rī′ə-līt′ /

1. A usually light-colored, fine-grained extrusive igneous rock that is compositionally similar to granite. It often includes flow lines formed during the extrusion.

Derived Forms

• rhyolitic, adjective

Other Words From

• rhy·o·lit·ic [rahy-, uh, -, lit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhyolite¹

1865–70; rhyo- (irregular < Greek rhýax stream of lava) + -lite

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhyolite¹

C19: rhyo- from Greek rhuax a stream of lava + lite

Example Sentences

Intrepid travelers can ice climb its namesake feature, hike through glassy frozen caves, or trek through Iceland’s dormant volcanoes and remote rhyolite mountains.

From Outside Online

This is shown in the glaciated rock-surfaces of the rim that are covered with layers of pumice and rhyolite.

From Project Gutenberg

Granite is an acidic rock corresponding to rhyolite in chemical composition.

From Project Gutenberg

The oldest volcanic rock appears to be rhyolite, which peers up in two small hills almost smothered beneath the lake deposits.

From Project Gutenberg

Basalt is less siliceous than granite and rhyolite, and contains much more iron, calcium, and magnesium.

From Project Gutenberg

Rhyolite and other forms of lava were last spread over the region.

From Project Gutenberg