variole

[ vair-ee-ohl ]

noun

1. a shallow pit or depression like the mark left by a smallpox pustule; foveola.
2. a light-colored spherule, common in some igneous rocks, that gives a pockmarked appearance to weathered rock surfaces.

variole

/ ˈvɛərɪˌəʊl /

noun

1. any of the rounded masses that make up the rock variolite

Word History and Origins

Origin of variole¹

1820–30; < French: variola

Word History and Origins

Origin of variole¹

C19: from French, from Medieval Latin; see variola

Example Sentences

A roundish and rather deep depression, larger than a variole.

From Project Gutenberg

When a variole, tubercle, granule, &c. has a depression in its centre.

From Project Gutenberg