Definition

Describing rocks that have features similar to gneiss, which is a type of metamorphic rock. These rocks are often found between granite and gneiss or mica slate and gneiss.

Example

The geologist identified the gneissoid rock formation during the field study.

Conversation

Have you seen that rock sample from the geology class?

Yeah, it's really interesting how it looks so gneissoid.

I thought it was neat how it had features of both granite and gneiss.

Definitely! It makes you appreciate the complexity of rocks more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gneissoid is derived from 'gneiss' (from German 'Gneis', meaning a type of metamorphic rock characterized by its banded appearance) and the suffix '-oid' (meaning resembling or like). The term 'gneissoid' refers to something that resembles or has characteristics of gneiss.

Memory Tip

Think of 'gneiss' as a type of rock with bands, and remember that '-oid' means resembling. So, gneissoid describes something that looks like this banded rock.

Visually Confused Words