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

Derived Forms

• doleritic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dolerite

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