variolite

[ vair-ee-uh-lahytvar- ]

noun

, Petrology.

1. a rock embedded with varioles; a variolitic rock.

variolite

/ ˈvɛərɪəˌlaɪt; ˌvɛərɪəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. any basic igneous rock containing rounded bodies (varioles) consisting of radiating crystal fibres

Derived Forms

• variolitic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of variolite¹

First recorded in 1780–85; probably from New Latin variolītēs, from Medieval Latin variola variola ( def ) + -ītēs noun suffix; -ite ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of variolite¹

C18: from variola , referring to the pockmarked appearance of the rock

Example Sentences

Variolit′ic, pertaining to variolite; Vā′rioloid, resembling smallpox: resembling measles.—n. modified smallpox.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Little Crau, the mouth of the Durance, are found prodigious numbers of green and crystalline rocks, granite and variolite brought down from the Alps of Briançon, but nine-tenths of the pebbles of the Great Crau are white quartz brought from the great chain of the Alps, together with mica-slate and calcareous stones, and only a few of the variolites of Mont Genèvre.

From Project Gutenberg