porphyritic rock
- noun
- /ˌpɔrfəˈrɪtɪk rɑk/
- Specialized
:
roca porfirítica
- The geologist identified the sample as a porphyritic rock because it has large crystals embedded in a finer-grained matrix.
Examples
-
The geologist identified the sample as a porphyritic rock due to its large, embedded crystals.
-
Many volcanic regions feature porphyritic rock formations distinctive for their mixed texture.
-
A thin section under the microscope showed the classic texture of a porphyritic rock.
-
The porphyritic rock was formed from volcanic activity.
-
Can you identify a porphyritic rock in this collection?
-
Many volcanic regions feature porphyritic rock formations that are renowned for their unique texture of large crystals.
-
A thin section under the microscope revealed the characteristic texture of a porphyritic rock with prominent phenocrysts.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A hard volcanic rock with large crystals set in a fine-grained base
Antonyms
1
4.4
Contains very small, closely packed particles that make it feel smooth like fine sugar
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a transparent adjective + noun composition: 'porphyritic' names a specific rock texture (large crystals in a finer-grained matrix) and 'rock' denotes the object, so the meaning is simply 'a rock that has a porphyritic texture'. Although 'porphyritic' is technical, if the learner knows that adjective the compound meaning is directly derivable from the parts.
Etymology
Porphyritic rock paints a simple picture: big crystals are stuck inside a finer rock, like chocolate chips in cookie dough. So the name is used for 'a rock formed from melted rock that has large crystals in a finer-grained background'.