phonolite

[ fohn-l-ahyt ]

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.

phonolite

/ ˌfəʊnəˈlɪtɪk; ˈfəʊnəˌlaɪt /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• phonolitic, adjective

Other Words From

• pho·no·lit·ic [fohn-l-, it, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phonolite¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of phonolite¹

C19: via French from German Phonolith; see phono- , -lite

Example Sentences

(c.) Phonolite (Clinkstone) is a trachytic rock, composed essentially of sanidine, nepheline, and augite or hornblende.

From Project Gutenberg

The rock is phonolite, and is divided into irregular columns.

From Project Gutenberg

The Wolf Rock is composed of phonolite, and it occurs largely in Auvergne.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg