'Plutonic rocks' definitions:

Definition of 'Plutonic rocks'

From: GCIDE
  • Plutonic \Plu*ton"ic\, a. [Cf. F. plutonique. See Pluto.]
  • 1. Of or pertaining to Pluto; Plutonian; hence, pertaining to the interior of the earth; subterranean. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Of, pertaining to, or designating, the system of the Plutonists; igneous; as, the Plutonic theory. [1913 Webster]
  • Plutonic action (Geol.), the influence of volcanic heat and other subterranean forces under pressure.
  • Plutonic rocks (Geol.), granite, porphyry, and some other igneous rocks, supposed to have consolidated from a melted state at a great depth from the surface. Cf. {Intrusive rocks}, under Intrusive.
  • Plutonic theory. (Geol.) See Plutonism. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'plutonic rocks'

From: GCIDE
  • Intrusive \In*tru"sive\, a. Apt to intrude; characterized by intrusion; entering without right or welcome. [1913 Webster]
  • Intrusive rocks (Geol.), rocks which have been forced, while in a plastic or melted state, into the cavities or between the cracks or layers of other rocks. The term is sometimes used as equivalent to plutonic rocks. It is then contrasted with effusive or volcanic rocks. -- {In*tru"sive*ly}, adv. -- {In*tru"sive*ness}, n. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Plutonic rocks'