igneous
4
7.4
- adjective
- /ˈɪɡniəs/
- Specialized
:
ígneo
- The formation of igneous rocks occurs when molten material solidifies beneath or on the Earth's surface.
- igneous rock
Examples
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Classification methods might be the focus, which can help students understand, for example, the difference between igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Academic text (2001) -
It's formed under the same conditions as igneous rock... but... with some very significant differences.
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So would that make this an igneous rock or a sedimentary rock?
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I'd say it's igneous rock formed by some sort of eruption.
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As the magma moves towards the Earth's surface, it crystallizes to form young, hot igneous rocks.
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Rome stands on thick deposits of tuff, a soft igneous rock laid down by a prehistoric eruptions.
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Igneous rock formations have lured ark seekers to the volcanic mountain Ararat near Turkey.
Academic text (1997) -
As the magma cools slowly underground, it transforms into igneous rock such as granite.
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You can find many examples of igneous rocks in volcanic regions where magma has erupted and cooled.
Synonyms
1
7.6
Relating to very hot liquid rock under the ground or things made from it
Compounds
Surface Forms
Morphology
igneous = igne + ous
The geological sense is specialized and, while historically linked to 'fire', learners cannot reliably infer 'relating to rocks formed from molten material' from the morphemes alone.
Etymology
Igneous comes from the Latin ignis 'fire' and is related to ignite, which helps you remember that igneous rocks formed when hot, melted rock cooled and became solid. So in geology igneous means 'made by fire'.