basalt

noun

: a dark gray to black dense to fine-grained igneous rock that consists of basic plagioclase, augite, and usually magnetite
basaltic adjective

Examples of basalt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The basalt siphons slowed the destruction, to an extent, but in February 2024, lava outflows disabled a network of pipes from the power station. Jonah Walters, Longreads, 24 Oct. 2024 So, take something like plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine, the most abundant minerals in basalt and all anhydrous (lacking water in their structure) and plop it for thousands to millions of years in a wet environment like an ocean floor. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2024 At 200m altitude, on the sand and basalt slopes of the Astroni nature reserve, close to the crater of Agnano, Raffaele Moccia tends his terraced vineyards by hand. Paul Caputo, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 Off Planet’s recipes combine several rocks, including anorthosite and basalt. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for basalt 

Word History

Etymology

Latin basaltes, manuscript variant of basanites touchstone, from Greek basanitēs (lithos), from basanos touchstone, from Egyptian bḫnw

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basalt was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near basalt

Cite this Entry

“Basalt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basalt. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

basalt

noun
: a dark gray to black usually fine-grained igneous rock
basaltic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on basalt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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