lithic

¹

[ lith-ik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or consisting of stone.
2. Petrology. pertaining to clastic rocks, either sedimentary or volcanic, containing a large proportion of debris from previously formed rocks:

   a lithic sandstone; lithic tuff.

3. Pathology. pertaining to stony concretions, or calculi, formed within the body, especially in the bladder.
4. Chemistry. of, relating to, or containing lithium.

noun

1. Archaeology. a stone artifact.

-lithic

²

1. a combining form used in the names of cultural phases in archaeology characterized by the use of stone tools: Chalcolithic; Neolithic.
2. a combining form meaning “of or relating to stone,” used to form adjectives: megalithic; monolithic.

-lithic

¹

combining form

1. (in anthropology) relating to the use of stone implements in a specified cultural period

   Neolithic

lithic

²

/ ˈlɪθɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or composed of stone
2. containing abundant fragments of previously formed rock

   a lithic sandstone

3. pathol of or relating to a calculus or calculi, esp one in the urinary bladder
4. of or containing lithium

Other Words From

• lithi·cal·ly adverb
• pre·lithic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lithic¹

First recorded in 1790–1800, lithic is from the Greek word lithikós of stone. See lith-, -ic

Origin of lithic²

lithic

Word History and Origins

Origin of lithic¹

from Greek lithikos, from lithos stone

Origin of lithic²

C18: from Greek lithikos stony

Example Sentences

The deposits in which solvents are appropriate are termed respectively Lithic and Phosphatic.

From Project Gutenberg

Excessive indulgence in animal food or in wine may cause an over-secretion of Lithic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

A suppression of the secretion of the skin causes a lithic deposit in some cases, as in a common "cold."

From Project Gutenberg

Acids dissolve a phosphatic, and Alkalies or their carbonates a lithic deposit, in the body, as well as out of it.

From Project Gutenberg

For the solvent passes out along with each successive quantity of the Lithic or Phosphatic matter that is formed and excreted.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• craggy
• jagged
• rough