keratophyre

noun

ker·​a·​to·​phyre

ˈkerətōˌfī(ə)r

plural -s

1

: any of various rocks resembling hornfels

2

: a compact porphyritic rock with anorthoclase as its prevailing feldspar and with or without quartz

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary kerat- + -phyre; originally formed as German keratophyr

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!