gneiss (n s)n. A banded or foliated metamorphic rock, usually of the same composition as granite. [German Gneis, probably alteration of Middle High German ganeist, spark (from its appearance), from Old High German gneista.] gneiss  ic (ns k), gneissoid (nsoid), gneissose (ns s) adj. |
gneiss [naɪs]
n
(Earth Sciences / Geological Science) any coarse-grained metamorphic rock that is banded and foliated: represents the last stage in the metamorphism of rocks before melting
[from German Gneis, probably from Middle High German ganeist spark; related to Old Norse gneista to give off sparks]
gneissic , gneissoid, gneissose adj
| gneiss (ns) A highly foliated, coarse-grained metamorphic rock consisting of light-colored layers, usually of quartz and feldspar, alternating with dark-colored layers of other minerals, usually hornblende and biotite. Individual grains are often visible between layers. Gneiss forms as the result of the regional metamorphism of igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | gneiss - a laminated metamorphic rock similar to granite metamorphic rock - rock altered by pressure and heat |
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