porphyritic

adjective

por·​phy·​rit·​ic ˌpȯr-fə-ˈri-tik How to pronounce porphyritic (audio)
1
: of or relating to porphyry
2
: having distinct crystals (as of feldspar) in a relatively fine-grained base

Word History

Etymology

Middle English porphiritike, from Medieval Latin porphyriticus, from Greek porphyritikos, from porphyritēs (lithos) porphyry

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of porphyritic was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near porphyritic

Cite this Entry

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

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