phyllite

[ fil-ahyt ]

noun

1. a slaty rock, the cleavage planes of which have a luster imparted by minute scales of mica.

phyllite

/ ˈfɪlaɪt; fɪˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. a compact lustrous metamorphic rock, rich in mica, derived from a shale or other clay-rich rock

phyllite

/ fĭl′īt′ /

1. A green, gray, or red metamorphic rock, similar to slate but often having a wavy surface and a distinctive luster imparted by the presence of mica.

Derived Forms

• phyllitic, adjective

Other Words From

• phyl·lit·ic [fi-, lit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phyllite¹

First recorded in 1820–30; phyll- + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of phyllite¹

C19: from phyll ( o ) - + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Geologically, the Erzgebirge range consists mainly of gneiss, mica and phyllite.

From Project Gutenberg

At Otter Lake a much foliated and weathered phyllite was found.

From Project Gutenberg