batholith

[bath-uh-lith] /ˈbæθ ə lɪθ/
noun, Geology
1.
a large body of intrusive igneous rock believed to have crystallized at a considerable depth below the earth's surface; pluton.
Origin of batholith
1900-05; batho- + -lith
Related forms
batholithic, adjective
Examples from the web for batholith
  • Also, pre-batholith metamorphic rocks are moderately extensive.
British Dictionary definitions for batholith

batholith

/ˈbæθəlɪθ/
noun
1.
a very large irregular-shaped mass of igneous rock, esp granite, formed from an intrusion of magma at great depth, esp one exposed after erosion of less resistant overlying rocks
Derived Forms
batholithic, batholitic, adjective
Word Origin and History for batholith
n.

1903, from German batholith (1892), coined by German geologist Eduard Suess (1831-1914) from Greek bathos "depth" (see benthos) + -lith "stone."

batholith in Science
batholith
  (bāth'ə-lĭth')   

A large mass of igneous rock that has intruded and melted surrounding strata at great depths. Batholiths usually have a surface area of over 100 km2 (38 mi2).