basanite

[bas-uh-nahyt, baz-]

noun

Petrography.

1. a basaltic rock composed chiefly of plagioclase, olivine, and augite.

basanite

/ ˈbæsəˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a black basaltic rock containing plagioclase, augite, olivine, and nepheline, leucite, or analcite, formerly used as a touchstone

Word History and Origins

Origin of basanite¹

1745–55; < Latin basanītēs; basalt

Word History and Origins

Origin of basanite¹

C18: see _basalt

Example Sentences

Basanite, bas′an-īt, n. a kind of quartz serviceable for testing the purity of the precious metals by the marks made.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

In the fourth, again, he was seen converting the ill-advised Battus into that stone that is called basanite; and in the fifth and last was his slaying, so cunningly achieved, of the many-eyed Argus.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Let him be an old shepherd seated, showing with the forefinger of the right arm the place where the cattle were hidden, and leaning with the left arm on a stick or rod, the herdsman's staff; and from the waist downwards he must be of black stone of the colour of basanite, into which stone he was converted.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Or is he a kind of basanite for bunches, and do they come out on us at the sight of him?

Read more on Project Gutenberg

The flows from Kibo include nepheline and leucite basanite lavas rich in soda felspars.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• barometer 
• criterion