tholeiite

noun

tho·​lei·​ite ˈtō-lə-ˌīt How to pronounce tholeiite (audio) ˈthō- How to pronounce tholeiite (audio)
: a basaltic rock that is rich in aluminum and low in potassium, is found typically in the ocean floor, and is probably derived from the earth's mantle
tholeiitic
ˌtō-lə-ˈi-tik How to pronounce tholeiite (audio)
ˌthō-
adjective

Word History

Etymology

German Tholeiit, from Tholey, village in Saarland, Germany + German -it -ite

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tholeiite was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near tholeiite

thole

tholeiite

tholepin

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

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

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tholeiite

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