laterite

American  

[lat-uh-rahyt] / ˈlæt əˌraɪt /

noun

Geology.

1. a reddish ferruginous soil formed in tropical regions by the decomposition of the underlying rocks.

2. a similar soil formed of materials deposited by water.

3. any soil produced by the decomposition of the rocks beneath it.

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laterite British  

/ ˌlætəˈrɪtɪk, ˈlætəˌraɪt /

noun

1. any of a group of deposits consisting of residual insoluble deposits of ferric and aluminium oxides: formed by weathering of rocks in tropical regions

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laterite Scientific  

/ lăt′ə-rīt′ /

1. A red, porous, claylike soil formed by the leaching of silica-rich components and enrichment of aluminum and iron hydroxides. They are especially common in humid climates. Laterites that are poor in iron oxides and rich in aluminum oxides are called bauxites.

2. Also called latosol

3. See more at bauxite

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Other Word Forms

• lateritic adjective

Etymology

Origin of laterite

1800–10; < Latin later brick, tile + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

An expansive laterite plateau, which is flanked by cliffside fishing villages, mango orchards and ancient petroglyphs, is being acquired to make way for the world's largest petrochemical refinery in western India's ecologically fragile Konkan belt.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2023

Unlike many minerals that can be mined in deep excavations, which are relatively small in extent, this laterite nickel is widespread and shallow.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 8, 2022

The government is keen to produce stainless steel and battery-grade chemicals from nickel laterite, and eventually manufacture batteries and electric vehicles.

From Reuters • May 31, 2020

Xoxisols or laterite soils are nutrient-poor soils found in tropical regions.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

The soils are fragile red laterite and the rain is savage.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver