phonolite

American  

[fohn-l-ahyt] / ˈfoʊn lˌaɪt /

noun

1. a fine-grained volcanic rock composed chiefly of alkali feldspar and nepheline, some varieties of which split into pieces that ring on being struck.

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phonolite British  

/ ˈfəʊnəˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a fine-grained volcanic igneous rock consisting of alkaline feldspars and nepheline

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Other Word Forms

• phonolitic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of phonolite

1820–30; < French < German Phonolith. See phono-, -lite

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

phonolite

XAS determination of the Fe local environment and oxidation state in phonolite glasses.

From Nature ● Dec. 12, 2017

It is composed of phonolite, divided in one part into great curved laminae, in another, into angular concretionary balls, and in a third part into outwardly radiating columns.

From Volcanic Islands by Charles Darwin

Then over the black gneiss are found 800 feet of quartzites, usually in very thin beds of many colors, but exceedingly hard, and ringing under the hammer like phonolite.

From Canyons of the Colorado by John Wesley Powell

At last we draw ourselves up a huge wedge of phonolite and find ourselves at the summit of the first peak.

From The Columbia River Its History, Its Myths, Its Scenery, Its Commerce by William Denison Lyman

Some varieties are porous, some full of small holes, others black from grains of obsidian; and a few, especially near the dikes, incline to phonolite.

From The Highlands of Ethiopia by William Cornwallis Harris