phenocryst

noun phe·no·cryst \-ˌkrist\

Definition of PHENOCRYST

: one of the prominent embedded crystals of a porphyry

— phe·no·crys·tic \ˌfē-nə-ˈkris-tik\ adjective

French phénocryste, from Greek phainein to show + krystallos crystal — more at fancy

First Known Use: 1893

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