 | WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
| WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
Porphyry
Pronunciation : Por"phy*ry
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [F. porphyre, L. porphyrites, fr. Gr. Purple.] (Geol.)
Definition : Defn: A term used somewhat loosely to designate a rock consisting of a fine-grained base (usually feldspathic) through which crystals, as of feldspar or quartz, are disseminated. There are red, purple, and green varieties, which are highly esteemed as marbles. Porphyry shell (Zo?l.), a handsome marine gastropod shell (Oliva porphyria), having a dark red or brown polished surface, marked with light spots, like porphyry.
pl. Porphyries.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
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