sial

[ sahy-al ]

noun

, Geology.

1. the assemblage of rocks, rich in silica and alumina, that comprise the continental portions of the upper layer of the earth's crust.

sial

/ saɪˈælɪk; ˈsaɪəl /

noun

1. the silicon-rich and aluminium-rich rocks of the earth's continental upper crust, the most abundant individual rock being granite

Derived Forms

• sialic, adjective

Other Words From

• si·alic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sial¹

1920–25; < German, equivalent to Si ( licium ) silicium + Al ( uminium ) aluminum

Word History and Origins

Origin of sial¹

C20: si ( licon ) + al ( uminium )

Example Sentences

During the Mutiny of 1857 the Sial leader again proved his loyalty by serving in person on the British side.

From Project Gutenberg

Sialogogue, sī-al′o-gog, n. a drug which increases the secretion of saliva—also Sial′agogue.

From Project Gutenberg