dolerite
Americannoun
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a coarse-grained variety of basalt.
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any of various other igneous rocks, as diabase.
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any basaltlike igneous rock whose composition can be determined only by microscopic examination.
noun
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a dark basic intrusive igneous rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar and a pyroxene, such as augite; often emplaced in dykes
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any dark igneous rock whose composition cannot be determined with the naked eye
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of dolerite
1830–40; < French dolérite < Greek doler ( ós ) deceitful (derivative of dólos wile) + French -ite -ite 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dolerite, from old volcanic neck, Scalot Hill, near Lame, consisting of labradorite, augite, olivine, and magnetite.
From Volcanoes: Past and Present by Hull, Edward
Dolerite, Ballintoy, County Antrim, showing ophetic structure, consisting of augite, labradorite, and magnetite.
From Volcanoes: Past and Present by Hull, Edward
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
