melaphyre

noun

mel·​a·​phyre
ˈmeləˌfī(ə)r
plural -s
1
: a porphyritic rock consisting of phenocrysts of feldspar in a dark groundmass
broadly : a porphyritic igneous rock with dark-colored aphanitic groundmass and phenocrysts of various kinds
2
: a Mesozoic basalt

Word History

Etymology

French mélaphyre, from méla- mela- + -phyre

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Dictionary Entries Near melaphyre

Melanthium

melaphyre

melasses

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Cite this Entry

“Melaphyre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melaphyre. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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