Mafic — is an adjective describing a silicate mineral or rock that is rich in magnesium and iron; the term is a portmanteau of the words magnesium and ferric .[1] Most mafic minerals are dark in color and the relative density is greater than 3. Common… … Wikipedia
mafic — [maf′ik] adj. [ MA(GNESIUM) + L f(errum), iron + IC] Geol. of or pertaining to igneous rocks that are rich in dark colored minerals and that contain magnesium and iron and a comparatively low level of silica … English World dictionary
mafic rock — In geology, any igneous rock dominated by the silicates pyroxene, amphibole, olivine, and mica. These minerals are high in magnesium and ferrous iron, and their presence gives mafic rock its characteristic dark colour. It is usually contrasted… … Universalium
mafic — adjective Etymology: New Latin magnesium + Latin ferrum iron + English ic Date: 1912 of, relating to, or being a group of usually dark colored minerals rich in magnesium and iron … New Collegiate Dictionary
mafic — /maf ik/, adj. Geol. of or pertaining to rocks rich in dark, ferromagnesian minerals. Cf. basic (def. 4), ultramafic. [1910 15; MA(GNESIUM) + L f(errum) iron + IC] * * * … Universalium
mafic — adjective Describing rocks, such as silicate minerals, magmas, and volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks, which contain relatively high concentrations of heavier elements … Wiktionary
mafic — [ mafɪk] adjective Geology relating to or denoting a group of dark coloured, mainly ferromagnesian minerals such as pyroxene and olivine. Often contrasted with felsic. Origin early 20th cent.: blend of magnesium and ferric … English new terms dictionary
mafic — maf·ic … English syllables
mafic — maf•ic [[t]ˈmæf ɪk[/t]] adj. pet gel of or pertaining to rocks rich in dark, ferromagnesian minerals • Etymology: 1910–15; ma(gnesium)+ L f(errum) iron + ic … From formal English to slang
mafic — /ˈmæfɪk/ (say mafik) adjective of some igneous rocks and their constituent minerals, composed dominantly of the magnesium rock forming silicates. Compare felsic …
