schist

[ shist ]

noun

1. any of a class of crystalline metamorphic rocks whose constituent mineral grains have a more or less parallel or foliated arrangement.

schist

/ ʃɪˈstɒsɪtɪ; ʃɪst /

noun

1. any metamorphic rock that can be split into thin layers because its micaceous minerals have become aligned in thin parallel bands

schist

/ shĭst /

1. A highly foliated, medium-grained metamorphic rock that splits easily into flakes or slabs along well-defined planes of mica. The mineral composition of schist is varied and is often reflected in the name given to the rock. For example, a schist that contains garnet is called a garnet schist. A schist containing chlorite is called a chlorite schist.

Derived Forms

• ˈschistose, adjective
• schistosity, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of schist¹

1775–85; < New Latin schistus, Latin ( lapis ) schistos < Greek schistós divided, curdled, divisible, derivative of schízein to split, with -tos adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of schist¹

C18: from French schiste, from Latin lapis schistos stone that may be split, from Greek skhizein to split

Example Sentences

We are all living on the Catalina schist, which is a great name for a band.

From Los Angeles Times

The river has been flowing in its course for millions of years, downcutting through layers of sandstone, limestone, granite, shale and schist to form the Grand Canyon.

From Los Angeles Times

Bronze Age ceramics, the oldest pieces in the show, are shown alongside miniature paintings, silver plates and a large variety of sculptures in stucco and schist rock.

From New York Times

But this one is lean and focused — it seems to speak directly from the schist vineyard soils.

From Washington Post

The design has been criticised for its "blocklike" structure and the of 'schist', a striped grey Norwegian slate, to cover the facade.

From Reuters