aphanites
|a-pha-nite|
/ˈæfənˌaɪt/
(aphanite)
fine-grained (crystals not visible) igneous rock
Etymology
'aphanite' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'aphanēs', where the prefix 'a-' meant 'not' and 'phanē-' (from 'phainō') meant 'to appear' or 'to show'.
'aphanite' was coined in modern geological terminology (19th century) from Greek roots via scientific Latin/French/German usage and entered English as the technical term 'aphanite'.
Initially related to the idea of 'not visible' or 'invisible', it came to be used specifically for rocks whose crystals are not visible to the naked eye.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a fine-grained igneous rock whose individual crystals are too small to be seen with the naked eye (often used for volcanic rocks produced by rapid cooling).
Many basaltic aphanites form from the rapid cooling of lava.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/15 21:58