diorite

noun di·o·rite \ˈdī-ə-ˌrīt\

Definition of DIORITE

: a granular crystalline igneous rock commonly of acid plagioclase and hornblende, pyroxene, or biotite

— di·o·rit·ic \ˌdī-ə-ˈri-tik\ adjective

French, irregular from Greek diorizein to distinguish, from dia- + horizein to define — more at horizon

First Known Use: 1826

Next Word in the Dictionary: diorthosisPrevious Word in the Dictionary: dioristicAll Words Near: diorite

What made you want to look up diorite? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears