phenocryst Hear it!

phenocryst definition

pheno·cryst (fē′nə krist)

noun

a relatively large and usually conspicuous crystal found in a fine-grained matrix in porphyritic igneous rock

Etymology: Fr phénocryste < Gr phainein, to show (see fantasy) + krystallos, crystal

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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