dolerite

[dol-uh-rahyt]

noun

Petrology.

1. a coarse-grained variety of basalt.

2. any of various other igneous rocks, as diabase.

3. any basaltlike igneous rock whose composition can be determined only by microscopic examination.

dolerite

/ ˌdɒləˈrɪtɪk, ˈdɒləˌraɪt /

noun

1. a dark basic intrusive igneous rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar and a pyroxene, such as augite; often emplaced in dykes

2. any dark igneous rock whose composition cannot be determined with the naked eye

dolerite

1. See diabase

Other Word Forms

• doleritic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolerite¹

1830–40; < French dolérite < Greek doler ( ós ) deceitful (derivative of dólos wile) + French -ite -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolerite¹

C19: from French dolérite, from Greek doleros deceitful; so called because of the difficulty of determining its composition

Example Sentences

We were ordered to raise the dolerite over our head and slam it down against the surface of the granite.

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Yamu-nedjeh clapped out a rhythm with his hands and all one hundred thirty of us slammed our dolerite against the granite.

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He raised up his dolerite and fell over dead.

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We will keep pounding the dolerite underneath until the obelisk is completely freed from the quarry.

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This is not as hard work as pounding the obelisk with dolerite, but it is still hard, dull work.

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