What does xenolith mean?
A xenolith is a fragment of rock that is distinct from the igneous rock in which it is embedded. Xenoliths are often brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions and can provide valuable information about the composition of the Earth's crust. They are typically fragments of the crust that have been broken off and incorporated into the magma. The study of xenoliths can help geologists understand the geological history of an area and the processes that shape the Earth's surface. Xenoliths can be found in a variety of rocks, including volcanic rocks and kimberlite.
nounA xenolith is a piece of rock that is foreign to the igneous rock in which it is embedded, often brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. It is typically a fragment of the Earth's crust.
- A piece of rock foreign to the igneous rock in which it is embedded
"The geologist studied the xenoliths embedded in the volcanic rock to understand the composition of the Earth's crust."
"The xenoliths in the volcanic rock provided valuable information about the Earth's crust."
"The geologist carefully extracted the xenolith from the rock sample."
The plural form 'xenoliths' is used to refer to multiple fragments of rock.
"The geologist collected several xenoliths from the rock sample."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of xenolith
The term 'xenolith' comes from the Greek words 'xenos', meaning 'foreign', and 'lithos', meaning 'rock' or 'stone'. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe fragments of rock found in igneous rocks.
How xenolith is actually used
The term 'xenolith' is commonly used in geology and earth sciences.