felsic

[ fel-sik ]

adjective

, Geology.

1. (of rocks) consisting chiefly of feldspars, feldspathoids, quartz, and other light-colored minerals.

felsic

/ fĕl′sĭk /

1. Relating to an igneous rock that contains a group of light-colored silicate minerals, including feldspar, feldspathoid, quartz, and muscovite.
2. Compare mafic

Word History and Origins

Origin of felsic¹

First recorded in 1910–15; fel(dspar) + s(ilica) + -ic