First Known Use: 1601
Dictionary
basalt
noun ba·salt \bə-ˈsȯlt, ˈbā-ˌ\
: a type of dark gray to black rock
Full Definition of BASALT
: a dark gray to black dense to fine-grained igneous rock that consists of basic plagioclase, augite, and usually magnetite
— ba·sal·tic \bə-ˈsȯl-tik\ adjective
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Origin of BASALT
Latin basaltes, manuscript variant of basanites touchstone, from Greek basanitēs (lithos), from basanos touchstone, from Egyptian bḫnw
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