schist

[ shist ]

noun

1. any of a class of crystalline metamorphic rocks whose constituent mineral grains have a more or less parallel or foliated arrangement.

schist

/ ʃɪˈstɒsɪtɪ; ʃɪst /

noun

1. any metamorphic rock that can be split into thin layers because its micaceous minerals have become aligned in thin parallel bands

schist

/ shĭst /

1. A highly foliated, medium-grained metamorphic rock that splits easily into flakes or slabs along well-defined planes of mica. The mineral composition of schist is varied and is often reflected in the name given to the rock. For example, a schist that contains garnet is called a garnet schist. A schist containing chlorite is called a chlorite schist.

Derived Forms

• ˈschistose, adjective
• schistosity, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of schist¹

1775–85; < New Latin schistus, Latin ( lapis ) schistos < Greek schistós divided, curdled, divisible, derivative of schízein to split, with -tos adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of schist¹

C18: from French schiste, from Latin lapis schistos stone that may be split, from Greek skhizein to split

Example Sentences

Relieving the grey sheen of the gneiss were dark bands of schist which tracked about in an irregular manner.

From Project Gutenberg

The rock was a highly quartzose gneiss, with black bands of schist running through it.

From Project Gutenberg

Schist prevails over a considerable area, and is prolonged to the very extremity of the peninsula.

From Project Gutenberg

Solid rock is not to be seen, but all the detritus consists of granite and green schist.

From Project Gutenberg

We rode north-westwards past two small lakes, and again fell in with solid rock—green and black schist.

From Project Gutenberg