mafic

[ maf-ik ]

adjective

, Geology.

1. of or relating to rocks rich in dark, ferromagnesian minerals. Compare basic ( def 4 ), ultramafic.

mafic

/ măf′ĭk /

1. Relating to an igneous rock that contains a group of dark-colored minerals, composed chiefly of magnesium and iron.
2. Compare felsic

Word History and Origins

Origin of mafic¹

1910–15; ma(gnesium) + Latin f ( errum ) iron + -ic