syenite

[ sahy-uh-nahyt ]

noun

a granular igneous rock consisting chiefly of orthoclase and oligoclase with hornblende, biotite, or augite.

Origin of syenite

First recorded in 1790–1800; from Latin syēnītēs (lapis) “(stone) of Syene” (the ancient name of Aswan, an Egyptian city on the Nile), from Greek syēnī́tēs (líthos); see -ite¹

Other words from syenite

sy·e·nit·ic [sahy-uh-nit-ik], /ˌsaɪ əˈnɪt ɪk/, adjective

Words Nearby syenite

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use syenite in a sentence

syenite is a crystalline compound of a potash-felspar and hornblende, and quartz is frequently present.
Geology | James Geikie
The obelisks of the Pharaohs are made of red granite called syenite.
Cleopatra's Needle | James King
The syenite granite was very hard, and capable of taking a high polish.
Cleopatra's Needle | James King
Of those standing, twenty-seven are made of syenite granite.
Cleopatra's Needle | James King
In the neighbourhood are the renowned quarries of red granite called syenite or Syenitic stone.
Cleopatra's Needle | James King

British Dictionary definitions for syenite

syenite

/ (ˈsaɪəˌnaɪt) /

noun

a light-coloured coarse-grained plutonic igneous rock consisting of feldspars with hornblende or biotite

Origin of syenite

C18: from French syénite, from Latin syēnītēs lapis stone from Syene (Aswan), where it was originally quarried

Derived forms of syenite

syenitic (ˌsaɪəˈnɪtɪk), adjective

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

Scientific definitions for syenite

syenite

[ sī′ə-nīt′ ]

A light-colored, coarse-grained igneous rock consisting primarily of alkali feldspar together with some mafic minerals, especially hornblende. Unlike most igneous rocks, syenite has little or no quartz. It is believed to form from the cooling of magma that forms at very high temperatures and at great depths. It is the coarse-grained equivalent of trachyte.

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