whinstone

[hwin-stohn, win-]

noun

1. Chiefly British.,  any of the dark-colored, fine-grained rocks, especially igneous rocks, as dolerite and basalt.

whinstone

/ ˈwɪnˌstəʊn /

noun

1. any dark hard fine-grained rock, such as basalt

Word History and Origins

Origin of whinstone¹

1505–15; dial. ( Scots and N England) whin whinstone ( Middle English quin < ?) + stone

Word History and Origins

Origin of whinstone¹

C16: from _whin ² + _stone

Example Sentences

Made of Scottish whinstone, the lecterns were commissioned by the Guardians of Scotland Trust, set up in 2011 to mark the equal contribution made by Wallace and de Moray in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

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The best is dark-coloured whinstone, because it absorbs very little moisture, or in Scotland Caithness pavement 4 in. thick.

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In course of years the rough block was superseded by a symmetrical object usually made of whinstone or granite, beautifully rounded, brilliantly polished, and supplied with a convenient handle.

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Longstone, upon which Grace dwelt was, says another visitor, of dark whinstone, cracked in every direction and worn with the action of winds, waves and tempests, since the world began.

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He little thought that in the capital of this island of “rock” a cargo of whinstones would be very acceptable, and find ready sale.

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