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The matrix of fine-grained crystalline material in which larger crystals are embedded.
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groundmass
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groundmass — [ground′mas΄] n. Geol. the small grained matrix in which larger crystals are embedded … English World dictionary
groundmass — noun Date: 1879 the fine grained or glassy base of a porphyry in which the larger distinct crystals are embedded … New Collegiate Dictionary
groundmass — /grownd mas /, n. the crystalline, granular, or glassy base or matrix of a porphyritic or other igneous rock, in which the more prominent crystals are embedded. [1875 80; GROUND1 + MASS] * * * … Universalium
groundmass — n. crystalline base of volcanic rock … English contemporary dictionary
groundmass — noun Geology the compact, finer grained material in which the crystals are embedded in a porphyritic rock … English new terms dictionary
groundmass — ground•mass [[t]ˈgraʊndˌmæs[/t]] n. pet the crystalline, granular, or glassy base or matrix of a porphyritic or other igneous rock, in which the more prominent crystals are embedded • Etymology: 1875–80 … From formal English to slang
groundmass — /ˈgraʊndmæs/ (say growndmas) noun the crystalline, granular, or glassy base or matrix of a porphyry, in which the larger crystals are enclosed …
groundmass — noun (geology) the matrix of fine grained crystalline material in which larger crystals are embedded • Topics: ↑geology • Hypernyms: ↑igneous rock • Substance Holonyms: ↑porphyry, ↑porphyritic rock … Useful english dictionary
Cumulate rock — Cumulate rocks are igneous rocks formed by the accumulation of crystals from a magma either by settling or floating. Cumulate rocks are named according to their texture; cumulate texture is diagnostic of the conditions of formation of this group… … Wikipedia
igneous rock — Any of various crystalline or glassy, noncrystalline rocks formed by the cooling and solidification of molten earth material (magma). Igneous rocks comprise one of the three principal classes of rocks, the others being metamorphic and sedimentary … Universalium
