Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » amphibole

amphibole

(am′fə bōl′)

noun

any of a group of rock-forming minerals, as hornblende or actinolite, composed largely of silica, calcium, iron, and magnesium: they are common constituents of igneous and metamorphic rocks

Origin: Fr < LL amphibolus, ambiguous < Gr amphibolos < amphiballein, to throw around, doubt < amphi-, amphi- + ballein, to throw: see ball

See amphibole in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Any of a large group of structurally similar hydrated double silicate minerals, such as hornblende, containing various combinations of sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: , from Late Latin amphibolus, ambiguous

Origin: , from Greek amphibolos, doubtful

Origin: , from amphiballein, to throw on either side

Origin: : amphi-, amphi-

Origin: + ballein, to throw; see g^welə- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: