aplite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/specialist
Quick answer
What does “aplite” mean?
A fine-grained, light-colored igneous rock composed mainly of quartz and feldspar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fine-grained, light-colored igneous rock composed mainly of quartz and feldspar.
A granitic rock with a uniform, sugary texture, typically occurring as veins or dikes within larger igneous bodies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English. The term is used identically in geological literature worldwide.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition.
Frequency
Extremely rare in non-specialist contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “aplite” in a Sentence
The [granite] is cut by [numerous] aplite veins.Aplite [typically consists] of [quartz and feldspar].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aplite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The aplitic texture was clearly visible under the microscope.
- Aplite dykes cross-cut the older granite.
American English
- The aplitic texture was clearly visible under the microscope.
- Aplite dikes cross-cut the older granite.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in geology, earth sciences, and related academic papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Used to describe a specific rock type in fieldwork, lab reports, and geological maps.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aplite”
- Mispronouncing it as /əˈplaɪt/ (uh-PLITE). The stress is on the first syllable: AP-lite.
- Using it as a general term for any light-coloured rock.
- Confusing it with 'appetite' in speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in geology and related earth sciences.
Both are granitic rocks, but aplite is fine-grained, while pegmatite is exceptionally coarse-grained. They often represent different stages of magma crystallisation.
Yes, the adjectival form is 'aplitic', used to describe a texture or a rock with the characteristics of aplite (e.g., an aplitic texture).
You would only realistically encounter it in geological textbooks, academic journals, geological survey reports, or during specialised fieldwork or museum visits focused on igneous petrology.
A fine-grained, light-colored igneous rock composed mainly of quartz and feldspar.
Aplite is usually technical/specialist in register.
Aplite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæplaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæplaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a polite (sounds like 'aplite') rock that's light in colour and has a fine, even texture, unlike its coarse cousin, pegmatite.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term with no common metaphorical extensions).
Practice
Quiz
Aplite is most closely associated with which type of rock?