tektite

[ tek-tahyt ]

noun

, Geology.

1. any of several kinds of small glassy bodies, in various forms, occurring in Australia and elsewhere, now believed to have been produced by the impact of meteorites on the earth's surface.

tektite

/ ˈtɛktaɪt /

noun

1. a small dark glassy object found in several areas around the world, thought to be a product of meteorite impact See also moldavite

tektite

/ tĕk′tīt′ /

1. Any of numerous dark-brown to green glassy objects, usually small (about the size of a walnut) and round with pitted surfaces. Tektites consist primarily (65% to 90%) of silica and have a very low water content. They are found in groups in several widely separated parts of the world and bear no relation to surrounding geologic formations. Some have shapes that show the kind of melting and deformation typical of objects that fall through the Earth's atmosphere. Tektites are believed to be of extraterrestrial origin or to have formed during high-velocity impacts on terrestrial rocks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tektite¹

1920–25; < Greek tēkt ( ós ) molten + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tektite¹

C20: from Greek tēktos molten