dolerite

[ dol-uh-rahyt ]

noun

, Petrology.

1. a coarse-grained variety of basalt.
2. any of various other igneous rocks, as diabase.
3. any basaltlike igneous rock whose composition can be determined only by microscopic examination.

dolerite

/ ˌdɒləˈrɪtɪk; ˈdɒləˌraɪt /

noun

1. a dark basic intrusive igneous rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar and a pyroxene, such as augite; often emplaced in dykes
2. any dark igneous rock whose composition cannot be determined with the naked eye

dolerite

/ dŏl′ə-rīt′ /

1. See diabase

Derived Forms

• doleritic, adjective

Other Words From

• dol·er·it·ic [dol-, uh, -, rit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolerite¹

1830–40; < French dolérite < Greek doler ( ós ) deceitful (derivative of dólos wile) + French -ite -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolerite¹

C19: from French dolérite, from Greek doleros deceitful; so called because of the difficulty of determining its composition

Example Sentences

Generally speaking, the soils produced from diorite are superior to those from dolerite.

From Project Gutenberg

It stood on edge, and several dikes of basalt, with dolerite, had cut through it.

From Project Gutenberg

As the rocks lie in a horizontal position, on most of the islands of the group only the basalts or dolerite are visible.

From Project Gutenberg

They have distinct craters, and the material of which the mountain is formed is basalt or dolerite.

From Project Gutenberg

The mineral is occasionally found as concretionary masses (sphaerosiderite) in cavities in basic igneous rocks such as dolerite.

From Project Gutenberg