ENGLISH
REFERENCE

granite

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɡɹænət// UK //ɡɹˈænɪt// gran·ite

n. a very hard, strong rock that people often use for building things or making kitchen counters. It usually has small spots of different colors like gray, pink, or black.

n. a common, coarse-grained igneous rock consisting essentially of quartz, feldspar, and mica. It is noted for its durability and resistance to weathering.


SIMPLE

The kitchen counters are made of polished gray granite.

CONTEXTUAL

The monument was carved from a single block of local granite to ensure it would last for centuries.

COMPLEX

Geologists study the crystalline structure of granite to understand the cooling rates of magma deep within the Earth's crust during ancient volcanic periods.

Origin

From French granit (“granite”), from Italian granito (“granite”), from granire (“to granulate”), from grano (“grain”), from Latin grānum (“grain”). Compare granita.

Usage

Usually uncountable when referring to the material; can be countable when referring to specific types or varieties of the rock.

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