maf·ic

[maf-ik]
adjective Geology.
of or pertaining to rocks rich in dark, ferromagnesian minerals. Compare basic ( def 4 ), ultramafic.

Origin:
1910–15; ma(gnesium) + Latin f(errum) iron + -ic

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
mafic   (māf'ĭk)  Pronunciation Key 
Relating to an igneous rock that contains a group of dark-colored minerals, composed chiefly of magnesium and iron. Compare felsic.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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00:10
Mafic is always a great word to know.
So is doohickey. Does it mean:
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal.
Example sentences
Permeability is slow in mafic rocks because the dark minerals commonly weather
  to clay.
Mafic rocks are darker colored and are mostly made up of magnesium and iron.
Deposits related to subaerial mafic extrusive rocks.
The mafic inclusions are composed of the same minerals as the enclosing
  granitic rock, but in different proportions.
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