xen·o·lith (z n  -l th , z n-)n. A rock fragment foreign to the igneous mass in which it occurs. |
xenolith [ˈzɛnəlɪθ]
n
(Earth Sciences / Geological Science) a fragment of rock differing in origin, composition, structure, etc., from the igneous rock enclosing it
xenolithic adj
| xenolith (zn-lth, zn-) A rock fragment foreign to the igneous mass in which it occurs. Xenoliths usually become incorporated into a cooling magma body when pieces of the rock into which the magma was injected break off and fall into it. Compare xenocryst. |
xenolith
a fragment of rock embedded in another kind of rock.
See also: Geology
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
xenolith - (geology) a piece of rock of different origin from the igneous rock in which it is embeddedWant to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
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