Advertisement
Advertisement
laterite
[ lat-uh-rahyt ]
noun
- a reddish ferruginous soil formed in tropical regions by the decomposition of the underlying rocks.
- a similar soil formed of materials deposited by water.
- any soil produced by the decomposition of the rocks beneath it.
laterite
/ ˈlætəˌraɪt; ˌlætəˈrɪtɪk /
noun
- any of a group of deposits consisting of residual insoluble deposits of ferric and aluminium oxides: formed by weathering of rocks in tropical regions
laterite
/ lăt′ə-rīt′ /
- A red, porous, claylike soil formed by the leaching of silica-rich components and enrichment of aluminum and iron hydroxides. They are especially common in humid climates. Laterites that are poor in iron oxides and rich in aluminum oxides are called bauxites.
- Also called latosol
- See more at bauxite
Discover More
Derived Forms
- lateritic, adjective
Discover More
Other Words From
- lat·er·it·ic [lat-, uh, -, rit, -ik], adjective
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of laterite1
Discover More
Example Sentences
Laterite may be roughly divided into two kinds, high-level and low-level laterites.
The clay called cabook in Ceylon is essentially a variety of laterite.
These chemical changes may be the cause of the frequent concretionary structure and veining in the laterite.
Attempts are being made to utilize laterite as an ore of aluminium, a purpose for which some varieties seem well adapted.
These are believed to resemble laterite, a red and highly oxidized soil which is found in great abundance in equatorial regions.
Advertisement
Word of the Day
[tawr-choo-uhs ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse