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porphyry

   Also found in: Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.03 sec.
por·phy·ry  (pôrf-r)
n. pl. por·phy·ries
Rock containing relatively large conspicuous crystals, especially feldspar, in a fine-grained igneous matrix.
[Middle English porphiri, porfurie, from Old French porfire, from Italian porfiro, from Medieval Latin porphyrium, from Latin porphyrts, from Greek porphurts, from porphur, shellfish yielding purple dye, purple (from its color).]
porphyry [por-fir-ee]
Noun
pl -ries a reddish-purple rock with large crystals of feldspar in it [Greek porphuros purple]
porphyritic adj
porphyry  (pôrf-r)
An igneous rock containing the large crystals known as phenocrysts embedded in a fine-grained matrix.
porphyritic adjective (pôrf-rtk)
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.porphyryporphyry - any igneous rock with crystals embedded in a finer groundmass of minerals
porphyritic rock
groundmass - (geology) the matrix of fine-grained crystalline material in which larger crystals are embedded
igneous rock - rock formed by the solidification of molten magma


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
When he chose to take a walk it was with a regular step in the entrance hall with its mosaic flooring, or in the circular gallery with its dome supported by twenty red porphyry Ionic columns, and illumined by blue painted windows.
Around The World In Eighty Days by Verne, Jules View in context
"First, that on the above-mentioned Feast of the Assumption, small beer having been served to the novices in the proportion of one quart to each four, the said brother John did drain the pot at one draught to the detriment of brother Paul, brother Porphyry and brother Ambrose, who could scarce eat their none-meat of salted stock-fish on account of their exceeding dryness,"
The White Company by Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan View in context
Porthos, refreshed, had already commenced the descent, and his heavy step resounded amongst the cavities, formed and supported by columns of porphyry and granite.
The Man in the Iron Mask by Dumas, Alexandre View in context
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