laterite

[ lat-uh-rahyt ]

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.

laterite

/ ˈlætəˌraɪt; ˌlætəˈrɪtɪk /

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

laterite

/ 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

Derived Forms

• lateritic, adjective

Other Words From

• lat·er·it·ic [lat-, uh, -, rit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of laterite¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of laterite¹

C19: from Latin later brick, tile

Example Sentences

Laterite may be roughly divided into two kinds, high-level and low-level laterites.

From Project Gutenberg

The clay called cabook in Ceylon is essentially a variety of laterite.

From Project Gutenberg

These chemical changes may be the cause of the frequent concretionary structure and veining in the laterite.

From Project Gutenberg

Attempts are being made to utilize laterite as an ore of aluminium, a purpose for which some varieties seem well adapted.

From Project Gutenberg

These are believed to resemble laterite, a red and highly oxidized soil which is found in great abundance in equatorial regions.

From Project Gutenberg