monzonite

[ mon-zuh-nahyt ]

/ ˈmɒn zəˌnaɪt /

noun

any of a group of granular igneous rocks having approximately equal amounts of orthoclase and plagioclase feldspar, intermediate in composition between syenite and diorite.

Nearby words

monumentalize, monuron, mony, monza, monzambano, monzonite, moo, moo goo gai pan, moo juice, moobs, mooc

Origin of monzonite

1880–85; < German Monzonit, named after Monzoni, mountain in Tyrol; see -ite¹

Related forms

mon·zo·nit·ic

[mon-zuh-nit-ik] /ˌmɒn zəˈnɪt ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for monzonite

monzonite

/ (ˈmɒnzəˌnaɪt) /

noun

a coarse-grained plutonic igneous rock consisting of equal amounts of plagioclase and orthoclase feldspar, with ferromagnesian minerals

Derived Forms

monzonitic (ˌmɒnzəˈnɪtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for monzonite

C19: from German, named after Monzoni, Tyrolean mountain where it was found

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for monzonite

monzonite

[ mŏn-zō′nīt′, mŏn′zə-nīt′ ]

An igneous rock composed chiefly of plagioclase and orthoclase, with small amounts of amphibole, pyroxene, and biotite. Monzonite contains little or no quartz.