Aphanitic is a term used in geology to describe the texture of a rock. It is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it has an important meaning in the field of geology. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of aphanitic, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Aphanitic is an adjective that describes the texture of a rock that is made up of small crystals that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These crystals are too small to be seen without the aid of a microscope. Aphanitic rocks are often formed by volcanic activity and are commonly found in igneous rocks.
Origin
The word aphanitic comes from the Greek word “aphanes,” which means “invisible.” It was first used in the 19th century by geologists to describe the texture of rocks that were made up of small crystals that could not be seen with the naked eye.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of aphanitic is consistent across different dictionaries. Merriam-Webster defines aphanitic as “having crystals too small to be seen with the naked eye.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “having a texture in which the individual crystals are not distinguishable without a microscope.”
Associations
Aphanitic rocks are often associated with volcanic activity. They are commonly found in igneous rocks such as basalt, andesite, and rhyolite. Aphanitic rocks are also associated with extrusive igneous rocks, which are formed when magma or lava cools quickly on the surface of the earth.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for aphanitic, including fine-grained, microcrystalline, and cryptocrystalline. These terms are all used to describe rocks that have small crystals that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Antonyms
The antonym of aphanitic is phaneritic. Phaneritic rocks are made up of large crystals that can be seen with the naked eye. These rocks are often formed by slow cooling of magma or lava deep beneath the earth’s surface.
The same root words
There are no other words in the English language that share the same root as aphanitic.
Example Sentences
- The aphanitic texture of the rock made it difficult to identify the minerals present.
- The andesite lava flow was made up of aphanitic rock.
- The volcanic ash was composed of aphanitic particles.
- The aphanitic crystals in the basalt rock were too small to be seen with the naked eye.
- The microcrystalline texture of the rock was a result of aphanitic crystals.