stinkstone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “stinkstone” mean?
A type of limestone or other stone that emits an unpleasant, sulphurous odor when struck, rubbed, or chemically treated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of limestone or other stone that emits an unpleasant, sulphurous odor when struck, rubbed, or chemically treated.
More broadly, any rock or mineral that produces a foul smell due to its chemical composition, often caused by the presence of bitumen, organic matter, or sulphur compounds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely descriptive and technical. The 'stink' component is literal, not metaphorical.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside specialised geological texts or historical descriptions of building materials.
Grammar
How to Use “stinkstone” in a Sentence
The [stone/mineral] + is/be classified as + stinkstone.Stinkstone + emits/produces/gives off + a foul odour + when + struck/rubbed.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in geology, archaeology, and historical architecture to describe specific odour-emitting stones found in certain strata or ancient structures.
Everyday
Virtually never used. An everyday speaker would simply say 'a smelly rock'.
Technical
The primary context. Used to precisely identify rocks based on the diagnostic characteristic of odour emission upon fracture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stinkstone”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stinkstone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stinkstone”
- Using it as a general insult for something unpleasant (it is not a colloquial term).
- Spelling as two words ('stink stone').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not considered a gemstone. It is a type of limestone or other sedimentary rock noted for its unpleasant smell, not for its beauty or value.
Yes, certain limestone formations in the UK, such as some in Dorset or Yorkshire, can exhibit stinkstone properties, particularly where they contain bituminous matter.
No, the characteristic odour is typically only released when the stone is freshly broken, rubbed vigorously, or treated with acid, as this releases the volatile compounds.
Not exactly. It is a descriptive field term for a rock based on a specific property (odour). A geologist would later classify it more precisely (e.g., as a bituminous limestone or anthraconite).
A type of limestone or other stone that emits an unpleasant, sulphurous odor when struck, rubbed, or chemically treated.
Stinkstone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋkˌstəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋkˌstoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a stone you might accidentally kick (STINK) that then releases a terrible smell.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOT APPLICABLE. The term is a literal, compound noun (stink + stone) without conventional metaphorical use.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'stinkstone' most likely to be used professionally?