Definition

1. Noun:
   • Rock formed from cooled and solidified magma or lava: "Igneous rock" refers to a type of rock that originates from the cooling and solidification of molten material (magma) beneath the Earth's surface or lava on the surface.

Usage

• Noun:
  • Igneous rock is one of the three main rock types in the rock cycle.
  • The texture of an igneous rock, such as coarse-grained or fine-grained, depends on its cooling history.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Granite and basalt are common examples of igneous rock.
  • The geologist studied the igneous rock formation to understand the area's volcanic history.

Advanced Usage

• "Intrusive igneous rock": Rock that forms from magma that cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in large crystals (e.g., granite).

  • The intrusive igneous rock formed a large pluton deep within the crust.

• "Extrusive igneous rock": Rock that forms from lava that cools quickly on the Earth's surface, resulting in small or no crystals (e.g., obsidian).

  • The volcanic flow produced a layer of extrusive igneous rock.

Variants and Related Words

• Igneous (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of fire, especially in geology relating to rocks formed by solidification from a molten state.

  • The igneous processes were responsible for the mountain's formation.

• Magma (n): Hot fluid or semi-fluid material below or within the earth's crust from which igneous rock is formed.

• Lava (n): Magma that reaches the earth's surface through a volcano or fissure.

Synonyms

• Volcanic rock (specifically for extrusive types): Rock formed from lava.
• Plutonic rock (specifically for intrusive types): Rock formed from magma that solidified at depth.

Related Phrases

• Igneous intrusion: A body of intrusive igneous rock.

  • The landscape was shaped by a massive igneous intrusion.

• Igneous petrology: The branch of geology dealing with the study of igneous rocks.

  • She specialized in igneous petrology.

Noun

1. rock formed by the solidification of molten magma