First Known Use: 1747
Dictionary
shale
noun \ˈshāl\
: a soft kind of rock that splits easily into flat pieces
Full Definition of SHALE
: a fissile rock that is formed by the consolidation of clay, mud, or silt, has a finely stratified or laminated structure, and is composed of minerals essentially unaltered since deposition
— shal·ey also shaly \ˈshā-lē\ adjective
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Origin of SHALE
probably from obsolete or dialect shale scale, shell, from Middle English, from Old English scealu — more at shell
Rhymes with SHALE
SHALY Defined for Kids
shale
noun \ˈshāl\
Definition of SHALE for Kids
: a rock with a fine grain formed from clay, mud, or silt
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