: a coarse variety of granite occurring in dikes or veins

Examples of pegmatite 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.
Lithium and rubidium are both naturally bonded to oxygen within pegmatite. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Feb. 2025 Mined pegmatite is later processed to extract rubidium and lithium from the mineral. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Greek pēgmat-, pēgma something fastened together, from pēgnynai to fasten together — more at pact

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pegmatite was circa 1828

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Cite this Entry

“Pegmatite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pegmatite. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pegmatite

noun
: a grainy variety of granite that occurs in layers in rock

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