gabbro

[ gab-roh ]

noun

, Petrology.

, plural gab·bros.

1. a dark granular igneous rock composed essentially of labradorite and augite.

gabbro

/ ˈɡæbrəʊ /

noun

1. a dark coarse-grained basic plutonic igneous rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and often olivine

gabbro

/ găb′rō /

1. A usually dark, coarse-grained igneous rock composed mostly of plagioclase feldspar and clinopyroxene, and sometimes olivine. Gabbro is the coarse-grained equivalent of basalt.

Derived Forms

• gabˈbroic, adjective

Other Words From

• gab·bro·ic [g, uh, -, broh, -ik], gabbro·itic adjective
• gab·broid [gab, -roid], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gabbro¹

< Italian; akin to Latin glaber smooth

Word History and Origins

Origin of gabbro¹

C19: from Italian, probably from Latin glaber smooth, bald

Example Sentences

Peridotite and gabbro form much of the eastern peninsula (Banggai).

From Project Gutenberg

Gabbro, a typical basic rock, corresponds to basalt in chemical composition.

From Project Gutenberg

The gneisses appear to be due in many cases to the crushing and shearing of deep-seated igneous rocks, such as granite and gabbro.

From Project Gutenberg

The one exception is on Caribou Ridge, which is capped by a much altered gabbro.

From Project Gutenberg

These volcanic materials are pierced by serpentine, gabbro and granite.

From Project Gutenberg