Definition

1. Noun:
   • A common type of solidified lava: "basalt" is a dense, dark grey, fine-grained igneous rock formed from cooled lava. It is primarily composed of the minerals plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene.

Usage

• "Basalt" is an uncountable noun when referring to the rock as a material. It can be used as a countable noun when referring to specific instances or types of this rock.
• It is commonly used in geological, construction, and scientific contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland is formed from hexagonal columns of basalt.
  • Basalt is often used as aggregate in road construction.
  • The volcanic island is composed almost entirely of basalt.

Advanced Usage

• "Basaltic" (adjective): Describes something relating to or composed of basalt.
  • The region has a basaltic landscape.
• "Flood basalt": A term for a very large-scale volcanic eruption or series of eruptions that covers vast areas with basalt lava flows.
  • The Deccan Traps in India are a massive flood basalt province.

Variants and Related Words

• Basaltic (adj): Of, relating to, or resembling basalt.
• Tholeiitic basalt (n): A specific type of basalt common on the ocean floor and in large continental lava flows.

Synonyms

• Igneous rock: A broader category of rock formed from cooled magma or lava, which includes basalt.
• Volcanic rock: Rock formed from lava erupted by a volcano; basalt is a common type.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Basalt flow: A stream or sheet of molten basalt lava.
  • The ancient basalt flow created the flat plateau.
• Columnar basalt: Basalt that has cooled and contracted into distinctive, often hexagonal, columns.
  • Tourists come to see the impressive columnar basalt formations.

Noun

1. the commonest type of solidified lava; a dense dark grey fine-grained igneous rock that is composed chiefly of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene