granite

== English == === Etymology === From French granit (“granite”), from Italian granito (“granite”), from granire (“to granulate”), from grano (“grain”), from Latin grānum (“grain”). Compare granita. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈɡɹæn.ɪt/ (rare) IPA(key): /ˈɡɹæn.aɪt/ Rhymes: -ænɪt === Noun === granite (countable and uncountable, plural granites) (geology) A group of igneous and plutonic rocks composed primarily of feldspar and quartz. Usually contains one or more dark minerals, which may be mica, pyroxene, or amphibole. Granite is quarried for building stone, road gravel, decorative stone, and tombstones. Common colors are gray, white, pink, and yellow-brown. (uncountable, figurative) Toughness; the quality of having a thick skin or being rough. ==== Hyponyms ==== (rock): syenite ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === pegmatite, feldspar, quartz, granodiorite === Anagrams === gratiné, angrite, tangier, tearing, Tangier, ingrate, Geraint == French == === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ɡʁa.nit/ === Noun === granite m (plural granites) granite (rock) ==== Usage notes ==== The spelling granite is more specifically used for true granite whereas the older spelling granit (same pronunciation) has a more generic meaning that may include other similar types of stones. ==== Derived terms ==== === Further reading === “granite”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012 === Anagrams === gratine, gratiné == Italian == === Noun === granite f plural of granita === Anagrams === Argenti, Tangeri, argenti, girante, ingrate, integra, negarit, negarti, negrità, regnati, rigante, ritenga, tingerà