Eucrites

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of rock categorized as a variety of syenite which contains both plagioclase and alkali feldspar as predominant minerals
2. This geological term refers to a coarse-grained granitic rock primarily composed of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals
3. Describing a rock type characterized by its high content of alkali feldspar alongside lesser amounts of plagioclase and other components

Etymology: Eucrites are basaltic meteorites, mostly made of calcium-rich plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene, and the name comes from Ancient Greek "eukrinēs," meaning "well-distinguished." The name likely refers to the clearly separate mineral grains that make up the rock, though the Greek itself says only "well-distinguished." The English word ends in "-ite," the suffix long used for minerals, rocks and meteorites, which is borrowed from the Greek "-ites" meaning "belonging to." "Eucrites" is simply the plural of "eucrite," so it names more than one such rock.