evaporite

noun

evap·​o·​rite i-ˈva-pə-ˌrīt How to pronounce evaporite (audio)
: a sedimentary rock (such as gypsum) that originates by evaporation of seawater in an enclosed basin
evaporitic adjective

Examples of evaporite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While 30% to 50% of the rock struck by the Chicxulub impactor was made up of evaporite deposits like salt and gypsum, almost none of that material is found in the core. Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, 15 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'evaporite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

evaporation + -ite entry 1

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of evaporite was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near evaporite

Cite this Entry

“Evaporite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evaporite. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

evaporite

noun
evap·​o·​rite i-ˈvap-ə-ˌrīt How to pronounce evaporite (audio)
: a sedimentary rock (as gypsum) that forms from evaporation of seawater in an enclosed basin

More from Merriam-Webster on evaporite

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!