basaltic

Definition

Relating to or consisting of basalt, a common dark, fine-grained volcanic rock formed from cooled lava.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'basaltes,' a term used by Pliny the Elder for a specific type of hard stone found in Ethiopia, which eventually entered English through French.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the dark, flat plains on the moon's near side, which are composed of volcanic material that differs significantly from the bright highlands found on the far side.

New advances in lunar soil research offer scientific evidence to unravel mystery of moon’s 'two faces'

Global Times

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