Found 2 items, similar to porphyry.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: porphyry porphyry n : any igneous rock with crystals embedded in a finer groundmass of minerals [syn: porphyritic rock]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Porphyry Porphyry \Por"phy*ry\, n.; pl. Porphyries. [F. porphyre, L. porphyrites, fr. Gr. ? like purple, fr. ? purple. See Purple.] (Geol.) A term used somewhat loosely to designate a rock consisting of a fine-grained base (usually feldspathic) through which crystals, as of feldspar or quartz, are disseminated. There are red, purple, and green varieties, which are highly esteemed as marbles. [1913 Webster] Porphyry shell (Zo["o]l.), a handsome marine gastropod shell (Oliva porphyria), having a dark red or brown polished surface, marked with light spots, like porphyry. [1913 Webster]