dolerite

American  

[dol-uh-rahyt] / ˈdɒl əˌraɪt /

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.

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dolerite British  

/ 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

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dolerite Scientific  

/ dŏl′ə-rīt′ /

1. See diabase

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Other Word Forms

• doleritic adjective

Etymology

Origin of dolerite

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

Example Sentences

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

From Literature

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

From Literature

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

From Literature

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

From Literature

Rockfalls on a narrow rocky path that clings to the side of a giant slab of dolerite rock are, unsurprisingly, not a new issue.

From BBC