spherulite

[ sfer-oo-lahyt, -yoo-, sfeer- ]

noun

, Petrology.

1. a rounded aggregate of radiating crystals found in obsidian and other glassy igneous rocks.

spherulite

/ ˌsfɛrʊˈlɪtɪk; ˈsfɛrʊˌlaɪt /

noun

1. any of several spherical masses of radiating needle-like crystals of one or more minerals occurring in rocks such as obsidian

Derived Forms

• spherulitic, adjective

Other Words From

• spher·u·lit·ic [sfer-, oo, -, lit, -ik, -y, oo, -, sfeer-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spherulite¹

First recorded in 1815–25; spherule + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Between 12,800 and 12,300 years ago, there was a noticeable uptick in spherulites.

From Science News For Students

Throughout the samples, the researchers found varying amounts of spherulites, tiny crystals that form in the intestines of animals and are deposited in dung.

From Science News