igneous

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   geology: formed when molten magma or lava cools and solidifies

   Basalt is an igneous rock formed from rapidly cooled lava.

2. 2
   adj

   relating to, containing, or resembling fire or intense heat

   The furnace cast an igneous glow across the workshop.

From Latin igneus, 'fiery,' from ignis, 'fire.' Geologists adopted the word for rocks produced from molten material, distinguishing them from sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

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