hornfels

noun

horn·​fels ˈhȯrn-ˌfelz How to pronounce hornfels (audio)
: a fine-grained silicate rock produced by metamorphism especially of slate

Word History

Etymology

German, from Horn horn + Fels cliff, rock

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hornfels was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near hornfels

Horney

hornfels

hornfish

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Cite this Entry

“Hornfels.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hornfels. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

hornfels

noun
horn·​fels ˈhȯ(ə)rn-ˌfelz How to pronounce hornfels (audio)
: a fine-grained rock formed by the action of heat

More from Merriam-Webster on hornfels

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hornfels

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