English Explanatory Dictionary

diorite

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A grey intrusive igneous rock composed mostly of plagioclase feldspar, biotite, hornblende and/or pyroxene.

Pronunciation

/ˈdaɪ.əˌɹaɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-diorite.wav

Word forms

diorite diorites

Etymology

From French diorite, invented by mineralogist Alexandre Brongniart (1770-1847), derived from Ancient Greek διορίζω (diorízō, “distinguish”), from δι- plus ὁρίζω (horízō, “to limit”).

Derived words

diorite-plagiogranitic dioritic granodiorite leucodiorite microdiorite quartz-diorite
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