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View synonyms for igneous

igneous

[ ig-nee-uhs ]

adjective

  1. Geology. produced under conditions involving intense heat, as rocks of volcanic origin or rocks crystallized from molten magma.
  2. of, relating to, or characteristic of fire.


igneous

/ ˈɪɡnɪəs /

adjective

  1. (of rocks) derived by solidification of magma or molten lava emplaced on or below the earth's surface Compare sedimentary metamorphic
  2. of or relating to fire


igneous

/ ĭgnē-əs /

  1. Relating to rocks or minerals formed by the cooling and hardening of magma or molten lava. Basalt and granite are examples of igneous rocks.
  2. Relating to the processes, such as volcanism, by which such rocks and minerals form.


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Other Words From

  • non·ig·ne·ous adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of igneous1

First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin igneus “fiery, on fire, burning,” equivalent to igni(s) “fire” + -eus -eous. Ignis is the Latin form of the Proto-Indo-European egni-s, ogni-s, one of the Proto-Indo-European words for “fire,” and it is closely related to Slavic ( Polish ) ogień (inflectional stem ogni- ) and to Sanskrit agni- Agni ( def ); fire ( def )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of igneous1

C17: from Latin igneus fiery, from ignis fire

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Example Sentences

The most ancient and lowest stratum of this igneous formation is a compact conglomerate known as tufa lithoide.

The "erratics" comprised a great variety of metamorphic and igneous rocks, and, on a more limited scale, sedimentary types.

The beacons were found to be part of a horizontal, stratified series of sandstones underlying the igneous rock.

The metamorphism of the igneous rocks is regional in nature and has the same increase from west to east as the sediments.

The stone formation bears the usual indications of aqueous and igneous deposits, but more of the former than the latter.

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Ignatius of Loyola, Saintigneous rock