Conclusion
The term “aphyric” is not a commonly used word in everyday language, but it is a term that is commonly used in geology. Aphyric is a term that refers to a type of volcanic rock that is characterized by the absence of visible crystals. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of aphyric, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Aphyric is an adjective that describes a type of volcanic rock that is characterized by the absence of visible crystals. This means that the rock is homogeneous and does not have any visible mineral grains or crystals. Aphyric rocks are typically fine-grained and are formed from lava that cools quickly on the Earth’s surface.
Origin
The term aphyric comes from the Greek word “a-” which means “without” and “phyros” which means “fire”. The word aphyric was first used in the field of geology in the early 20th century to describe a type of volcanic rock that lacked visible crystals.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term aphyric is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is a term that is commonly used in geology. In the Oxford English Dictionary, aphyric is defined as “denoting a volcanic rock that is devoid of visible crystals.” In Merriam-Webster, aphyric is defined as “lacking crystals or other visible mineral grains.”
Associations
Aphyric rocks are typically formed from lava that cools quickly on the Earth’s surface. This means that they are usually found in areas where volcanic activity is present, such as near volcanoes or along the edges of tectonic plates. Aphyric rocks are often associated with basaltic lava flows, which are characterized by their low viscosity and high fluidity.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for aphyric, including glassy, amorphous, and non-crystalline. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe volcanic rocks that lack visible crystals.
Antonyms
The antonym of aphyric is crystalline. Crystalline rocks are characterized by the presence of visible mineral grains or crystals. These rocks are formed from magma that cools slowly beneath the Earth’s surface, allowing time for mineral grains to form.
The same root words
The root word “phyros” in aphyric is also found in other words related to fire or heat, such as pyroclastic, pyromania, and pyrophobia.
Example Sentences
- The aphyric rock was formed from lava that cooled quickly on the Earth’s surface.
- The volcanic ash was composed of both aphyric and crystalline particles.
- The aphyric nature of the rock made it difficult to identify its mineral composition.
Aphyric is a term that is commonly used in geology to describe a type of volcanic rock that lacks visible crystals. The term comes from the Greek word “a-” which means “without” and “phyros” which means “fire”. Aphyric rocks are typically formed from lava that cools quickly on the Earth’s surface and are often associated with basaltic lava flows. While not commonly used in everyday language, aphyric is an important term in the field of geology.