hornfels

noun

horn·​fels ˈhȯrn-ˌfelz How to pronounce hornfels (audio)
: a fine-grained silicate rock produced by metamorphism especially of slate

Word History

Etymology

German, from Horn horn + Fels cliff, rock

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hornfels was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near hornfels

Horney

hornfels

hornfish

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Hornfels.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hornfels. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

hornfels

noun
horn·​fels ˈhȯ(ə)rn-ˌfelz How to pronounce hornfels (audio)
: a fine-grained rock formed by the action of heat

More from Merriam-Webster on hornfels

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hornfels

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