syenite

[ sahy-uh-nahyt ]

noun

1. a granular igneous rock consisting chiefly of orthoclase and oligoclase with hornblende, biotite, or augite.

syenite

/ ˈsaɪəˌnaɪt; ˌsaɪəˈnɪtɪk /

noun

1. a light-coloured coarse-grained plutonic igneous rock consisting of feldspars with hornblende or biotite

syenite

/ sī′ə-nīt′ /

1. A light-colored, coarse-grained igneous rock consisting primarily of alkali feldspar together with some mafic minerals, especially hornblende. Unlike most igneous rocks, syenite has little or no quartz. It is believed to form from the cooling of magma that forms at very high temperatures and at great depths. It is the coarse-grained equivalent of trachyte.

Derived Forms

• syenitic, adjective

Other Words From

• sy·e·nit·ic [sahy-, uh, -, nit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of syenite¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from Latin syēnītēs (lapis) “(stone) of Syene” (the ancient name of Aswan, an Egyptian city on the Nile), from Greek syēnī́tēs (líthos); -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of syenite¹

C18: from French syénite, from Latin syēnītēs lapis stone from Syene (Aswan), where it was originally quarried

Example Sentences

Syenite is a crystalline compound of a potash-felspar and hornblende, and quartz is frequently present.

From Project Gutenberg

The obelisks of the Pharaohs are made of red granite called Syenite.

From Project Gutenberg

The Syenite granite was very hard, and capable of taking a high polish.

From Project Gutenberg

Of those standing, twenty-seven are made of Syenite granite.

From Project Gutenberg

In the neighbourhood are the renowned quarries of red granite called Syenite or Syenitic stone.

From Project Gutenberg