variolite

[ vair-ee-uh-lahytvar- ]

noun

, Petrology.

1. a rock embedded with varioles; a variolitic rock.

variolite

/ ˈvɛərɪəˌlaɪt; ˌvɛərɪəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. any basic igneous rock containing rounded bodies (varioles) consisting of radiating crystal fibres

Derived Forms

• variolitic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of variolite¹

First recorded in 1780–85; probably from New Latin variolītēs, from Medieval Latin variola variola ( def ) + -ītēs noun suffix; -ite ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of variolite¹

C18: from variola , referring to the pockmarked appearance of the rock